Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, where can I go to get back my life you have stolen from me? The reason I ask is that since I stumbled on the Sharpe novels, and consequently the excellent Uhtred adventures and the Grail quest, most of my free time seems to be taken up reading you superb books! I do have a question though (apart from why do you always give Sharpe such a tough time!), what authors do you like? In historical fiction (my favourite genre) apart from yourself, mine are Manfredi, Iggulden, Pressfield and Simon Scarrow, the latter's series on Roman soldiers is very reminiscent of the Sharpe series. Keep up the superb work! Your dedicated fan Steve!

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Historical fiction authors? C.S. Forester, and, of course, the whole Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser. among others. I read a vast amount of (real) history. I like good mysteries and detective novels - Ian Rankin, John Sandford, PD James, Stuart MacBride, Dennis Lehane. I could go on and on and on, but I won't. But be sure to check out the Reading Club page of this website - I've posted a few of my favourites there.

Q

I just wanted to say that ever since I picked up a copy of the Winter King I have been enthralled by each of your books!! I don't know if it's the style of writing or the attention to detail, or indeed characters that seem to leap from the pages, whatever it is I cannot wait each time I know a new book is due. One question though, I enjoyed the 'Gallows Thief' so much I was wondering when we might see the return of Capt.Rider Sandman? Till then I eagerly await 'Azincourt' many thanks for hours and hours of entertainment!! Simon Howard

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I had thought of a sequel to Gallows Thief, but I'm not sure when I'd get around to it...

Q

I am a great admirer of yours, Mr Cornwell, and i am thrilled to read Azincourt, when it comes out. I read several Sharpe novels and I liked them all. By the way, I have two questions for you. First, in Sharpe's Honour, in the very beginning, 1500 Frenchmen surrendered to 400 redcoats after their three guns were immobilised by the riflemen. Did that truly happen? I do not wish to insult the French, I'm sure they were no cowards, but it does seem cowardly of them. Perhaps their commanding officer was a coward. I know the value of the gins, but such a large number of french infantry can blast the redcoats with musketry, can they not?

second question, I read the French sack on Soissons in your Excerpt of Azincourt, the English sack of Caen, the French sack of Coimbra, and others. not to mention general behaviour of the 9th century in your Saxon novels. Why were soldiers so brutal? I cannot imagine Sharpe or Thomas behaving that way, and they were good soldiers, and not timid. By the way, any plans of coming to Malta? Yours ever Mat

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I made it up . . . . . . . but it wasn't as simple as you think . . . . . . Sharpe deceived them, and there are many examples in military history of similar events . . . they didn't surrender because they were cowards, but because they were persuaded (falsely) that their position was hopeless.

There are countless examples of such behaviour . . . . in mediaeval times there was a convention that said any town which did not surrender would be sacked if it was captured (the reason, of course, was to persuade the besieged town to give-up, thus saving the besieger casualties). So, for many years, it was the accepted practice . . . . you force me to fight, and if you lose I'll rip you apart. That isn't the whole story, of course, because such behaviour continued long after that convention fell out of practice. Soldiers are encouraged to brutality . . the normal codes of morality are suspended in wartime, and only strict discipline can restrain soldiers from behaving brutally. A good officer will manage that, many men won't behave brutally, but enough will (think of My Lai). Soldiers besieging a town like Badajoz go through hell, and when the pressure is lifted (ie they win) they lose all restraint and go wild . . . . . some men will try to restrain them, but they feel they're off the leash and they behave abominably. At other times (ie the Russian invasion of Germany in 1945) such behaviour is actually encouraged. Just remember that the moral code of warfare is topsy-turvy, and only discipline will keep it from anarchy.

Sorry, no plans for a visit to Malta at the moment.

Q

Bernard - Thank you, I am a huge fan and you have made many an airport delay or lazy weekend really enjoyable. I was wondering if you have any plans to do any semi modern books perhaps the 1st World War would provide a suitable starting place with the characters centered around an Irish or English infantry battalion - Call it a modern version of Sharpe? I'm sure there's many a tale left in you yet! David Baker

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Sorry - no plans for modern day army books - I prefer to stick to the (distant) past.

Q

Dear Bernard, I have read the Starbuck Chronicles and was extremely impressed. I have also read Redcoat which was also a wonderful book. I am eagerly awaiting Nathaniel's next book, but in the meantime what would be your suggestion be for my next novel or series written by you. I am just a recreational reader but I did lend the Starbuck series to a friend who is well read and he was floored by them. Thanks Bernard, Ryan

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

You might want to take a look at the Sharpe books? Start with Sharpe's Tiger.

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell, First of all allow me to apologise to you if this letter is not up to par. i am a big fan of your Starbuck Chronicles series.And I am really excited about your writing on Nathaniel Starbuck. I am looking forward to hearing more of Nathaniel's exploits with the Faulconer Legion. I suppose my question to you sir is will their be any more writings on this series? and if so when can I look forward to hearing them. I look forward to hearing from you on this matter,your response will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. Sincerely Jerry Emerson

Mr. Cornwell, I enjoy reading your books. As a history graduate from University, I find them quite educational and entertaining. That said, I enjoyed the Starbuck's Chronicles the most of your books. Will there be more? Thank you for your time. Tom

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I hope so! But I'm not sure when...

Q

Just read Sword Song and loved it. Uthred now rivals Derfel for my favorite character in your books. I read it so darn quickly, though, that now I'm having Saxon withdrawal. Any idea when the next in the series will be? One more note. my jealousy of you living in my favorite place in the world intensified as we were unable to swing our summer vacation there this year. Oh to be on the cape! Bob McNamara

Just finished book 4 in your Saxon tales and was wondering if there is going to be a book 5? Also looking forward to Azincourt, Henry V is one of my favorite plays. Chip Ebel

Greetings just wonder when the sequel to "Sword Song" will released? It's painful waiting LOL!!!! Ps: The Warlord Chronicles were absolutely superb and coming from Sussex, England and living in New York it helps fight the city blues. Cheers, Mark

My students and I love the Saxon tales books, but we are desperate for the next one! When can we expect to see Uhtred again? Amy Duncan

I would just like to say what probably millions have said to you and that is I love your books, I have never laughed or cried so much or spent so much of my time thinking about a book before, I know you said your favourite is the Arthur books which are amazing but I do love Uhtred, are you writing a new one? Again just a thank you for creating such gripping characters and brilliant dialogue Frances Foley

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories, but it is most likely the next book I will write. If so, we'd hope to see it published in the UK in October 2009 (and possibly in the US in January 2010 ).

Q

Dear Bernard,is Nick Hook related to Thomas of Hookton? regards Nick.

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

He isn't. I took the name from the muster roll of the archers who really were at Agincourt and it just happened to be the name I liked best and, by coincidence, shared the Hook with Hookton

Q

I was very pleased to see that Sharpe's Peril is set to air this fall. Hopefully we can see it on BBC America here across the pond. Anyway, I noticed that on the Internet Movie Data Base site, one of the characters credited is "Corp. Barabbas Hakeswill". Does he appear in the books and is he related to Obadiah Hakeswell (perhaps a typo on the website?)? I'm just getting started reading the books, after having been introduced to the TV series on BBC America a couple of years ago. Just curious, did the producers or director of the TV series ever ask you which actors you thought would make a good representation of the characters in the books? I think they did an excellent job of casting; I'll picture Sharpe, Harper, Simmerson and Hogan as they actors who played them when I'm working my way through the books. Thank your for sharing Sharpe with us! -JP

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I have neither seen film, nor script, and the first I heard of Barabbas Hakeswill was when a reader wrote into this website recently. I had no input - none at all, which is a good thing because I'd be horrible at casting!

Q

Dear Bernard, I have just started Excalibur, and i have been neglecting most other aspects of my life because i have been completely addicted to your Warlord Chronicles! My brothers have lent me your books and the Sharpe series on dvd and I cannot wait to read the rest of your novels. i have one question. I have found most pronunciations of the names like Derfel and Ceinwyn, but I would really like to know if you had any idea how to pronounce Scarach? I think it's an amazing name but nobody seems to know how to pronounce it! (that i can find . . .) but I LOVE your books. Honestly, I think I am in love with Derfel!! Respectfully, Gabriella x

Submitted August 14, 2008

A

Was that one of mine? I'd say Scarach, like the English pronunciation of 'garage'.