Your Questions

Hi Bernard,

 

I have always been an avid reader of history, especially military history. My father introduced me to your books on Uhtred and I have devoured them until I became caught up a few years back. I also came across a computer game called "Mount & Blade - Warband" which had an additional patch titled "Viking Conquest". It seems to me that the game is inspired by your works, and does include a character named Uhtred floating about. In summary, the game pretty much let's you play out your Saxon or Viking fantasy of raiding, fighting, and conquering, enemies like Æthelhelm, etc...and/or usurp them all and create your own kingdom. Personally, I found Brycheinoig and Cornubia ripe territories on which to found my Viking kingdom, but now have the pesky Irish raiding my lands.

 

I was wondering if you have seen or heard of the game, and if not you should check it out! Although, I do fear it may hamper your writing of the next Uhtred book.

 

-Best,

David F

Hi Bernard!

You have been praised for your very accurate descriptions of the Viking society and their world views. For a fellow history-nerd, it's  a pleasure to see that you put a lot of effort into making some fantastic books. I've recently come across the Vikings of Jomsborg, an supposed mercenary army based in jomsborg near todays Wohlin in Poland. They have been accredited for the killing of Harald Bluetooth and important roles in different swedish succession-wars. What i've read is that they where closer to an actual organisation and not just ad-hoc ventures as the vikings of your books. I wondered if you heard of them and if so, what your thoughts are about these jomsvikings?

Christiern

I am an avid reader of your works and thoroughly enjoy them. I currently reside in Essex and get a lot of stick for that but you are proof that we are not all stupid.

Was it your idea to Have Sean Bean play Sharpe? He is absolutely perfect in the role.

Thank you once again for the pleasure you have given to many and to me in particular.

Martin Long

Good day Mr. Cornwell:

I just wanted you to know that I recently read "Gallows Thief" and very much enjoyed it and although this is a bit selfish on my part, I was hoping to convince you that writing a series, not too dissimilar to the Uhtred series, would be a good idea. I have read numerous books of yours and have enjoyed following the Uhtred novels.  The cast of characters in the "Gallows Thief" would seem to me to be perfect for a series of books that follow Rider Sandman, sergeant Berrigan and Sally.  This is an interesting time in Europe and the cast of characters sets forth an equally interesting spectrum of social actors.  You could mine a wide array of situations and social settings by having them work together as a team similar to what you set forth in "Gallows Thief".  The way the book ends seems as if you were already setting this up (hopefully).  Well, I just wanted to plant this seed in hopes that you would write a few more books that followed these characters -- I think many people could relate to them and would enjoy following their exploits.

Thanks for your time,

Rich Coon

Dear Mr Cornwell,

I have read so much of your work and have loved the way you have brought muddy, desperate reality to such as the Arthur legend (best I've read), Agincourt, Stonehenge and the times of King Alfred and much more. I am just amazed that you have not had a go at Robin Hood which is as open to interpretation and uncannily link with Richard the Lionheart that it cries out for your interpretation. The link of legend with reality is very interesting in this genre.

I would love to read your Book(s) on this before my demise!

Yours sincerely

Kim Melbourn

Hello,

 

This time last year, I watched the entire Sharpe  DVD's, over a period of a month. I am watching  some of them, again this December. The best word, I can think of to describe the Sharp TV episodes is Synergy. I thought the cast and technical staff assembled,  brought a  lot of  value for  the  low budget. Most people reading this, would agree, the Sharpe budget was low, and could never be described as being in the James Bond or Hollywood blockbuster region. A good example, I think is Pete Postlewaite being cast as Sergeant Hakeswill.   I recently read Pete Postlewaite's  autobioraphy. Postlewaite memorably brought Sergeant Hakeswill to life. Postlewaite, in his book, discused Hakeswill character  with Sean Bean, they both felt, that the series would benefit with  an expanded role for Hakeswill. Assuming you got this feedback, why didn't you write more about Hakeswill??? It is not a criticism, just an observation. The fact that Hakeswill was killed off, was not an insurmountable obstacle  for you to surmount.

 

Regards and thanks,

 

Adrian.

Hi Bernard,

big fan of your work.

In the Afterword to "The Fort" you mention that Massachusetts guns recovered by the British after the Penobscot Expedition ended up in British Colonies, including here in Australia. Do you know where? Is be fascinated to find them.

Adam Halgren

Dear Bernard:

It's been some years since I wrote.  Never could solve the Sharpe's Father riddle!  The last time I wrote I was in Afghanistan and you kindly sent several books for the troops -- they were greatly appreciated!  I hope they are still being passed around Kandahar Airbase!

I am reading The Flame Bearer and find it another great story!

I read that what you are currently is not Uhtred's next adventure.  Can you give us a hint where you are taking us to next?

 

Merry Christmas

Scott Evans

What happened to the estate Uhtred was given by Alfred? There is no mention of if it in further books. I would have expected an income from it and from Dunholm when he took over it, so I was surprised when in the latest book you said he was short of money again.

Colin Rowland

 

Dear Bernard

 

First of all Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2017. I was fortunate to meet you at the book signing in October in York, where you signed my copy of The Flame Bearer and I gave you a signed photo of Mark Rylance.

 

Now my question if I may, have you had a chance to see the BBC series the Time Commanders where some amature wargamers reenact famous battles using computers and advise from war experts. They re-enacted Waterloo this week, with the same outcome although it was even closer this time around with the French commander using his cavalry in a series of hit and run attacks against the British/Allies and only losing when the Prussians were able to link up.

 

Do you think Napoleon could have won at Waterloo if his cavalry had been used this way?

 

Best wishes

 

Steven