Your Questions

Hello Mr Cornwell, Great work, so far every book I've read by you has been fantastic. Probably, like most people, I got turned on to your books by the Sharpe series and haven't looked back since. I'm really enjoying the Uhtred series as I'm a big fan of that time period. I originally got into historical fiction in the 70s by reading a series based on a Saxon and Norman family, who were friends up to the conquest, and then became bitter enemies. But I can't, for the life of me, remember what they were called. I think they were published by the same publisher as a western series during the civil war called 'A Man Called Edge' (who reminds me of Nate Starbuck). Anyway, I'd love to find out who wrote them and if they are still in print, if only to satisfy my curiosity and put me out of my misery as I've been searching on and off for years. Can you help me?

Also I'm a big fan of Nigel Tranter (being a native Scotsman), especially the Bruce and Wallace novels what do you think of his work? I'm really looking forward to more of Uhtred's adventures so keep up the good work. John Bennett Auckland, New Zealand

Hi Bernard, Could you tell me where i can find more information (like diagrams) of British formations when in column or half-companies, square and such like. I'm having trouble picturing how the men were designated in files and where the officers of each company were placed. I'm reading about the account of a British attack in Egypt 1801 at a place called Mandora where it is said "three British columns advanced under artillery fire to take the heights." I can't imagine the British advancing in column. Many thanks for any pointers. Dave Cook

Dear Mr. Cornwell, just a quick question please. The battalions of the Union Army during the American Civil War - did they have flank companies; one of grenadiers and one of light? Or was their battalions just made up of battalion companies? Many Thanks Andrew

Dear Mr. Cornwell, My husband and I are both huge fans of your Grail Quest novels. Recently, my 13 year old had run out of Star Wars books to read and was looking for something new. I've known for years that he would love Thomas' adventures but I felt the subject matter was to adult for him. However at 13 I finally gave in and, with the help of some post-it notes over passages regarding the attacks on a certain Countess, I let him read them. He was enthralled and is now at a point of dissatisfaction with anything similar in the young adult section of the book store. His chief complaint is that they are too "magicy" and not realistic enough. I was wondering if you had any suggestions. I was thinking of having him read "Ivanhoe", a personal favorite from my own childhood. I am curious whether you have thought about delving into the young adult reading level as many other adult authors have done recently. I know my son would love a book about Thomas' early teen years. Anyway, any suggestions you could give would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for coming up with such an amazing adventure, my whole family has truly enjoyed them. Sincerely, Danielle Hughes

I have re-read the Warlord trilogy for possibly the 7th (maybe 8th) time. I absolutely love them. Although I do occasionally re-read some other books I have enjoyed NEVER to this scale. My wife thinks I am sad or obsessed. I just wanted to let you know how much enjoyment they have given me over a number of years and also to ask a couple of questions. Firstly, have you ever been tempted to bridge the gap between Arthur's death and Derfel's monastic life (i.e tying up loose ends) with another book?

Secondly, you use the term "fate is inexorable" at great length in this trilogy and in the Saxon books, you also use it once in Stonehenge and if I recall correctly you use it in the Grail Quest books. Other than the fact that you may well believe that fate is indeed inexorable I do find it odd that that same phrase is continually used throughout these books (and possibly in others I haven't read). Why do you use it so much? Rob Marchini

Mr. Cornwell, I just finished reading Sharpe's Skirmish and I greatly enjoyed it. However, in the introduction it seemed as if you regretted writing it. Is this the case? Also, any plans to write anymore short stories involving any of your characters? I really enjoy getting the quick pick-me-up when I read your two Sharpe short stories.

When will you be publishing MORE of the Starbuck Chronicles please as I have just finished The Bloody Ground. You cannot leave us all hanging in limbo for the next episodes. Forever. More PLEASE. John

Please finish the Starbuck chronicles.
Steve Hardy

Hello Bernard! I must first say thank you for your entertaining books. I particularly enjoyed the Saxon stories and look forward to the next adventure of Uhtred. I also enjoyed the Arthur books. My 14 year old son has also read the Saxon stories and has just begun the Arthur books. I have just finished the Starbuck Chronicles and was pleased to read at the end of The Bloody Ground that Starbuck would write again and hopefully get some revenge for Blythe and Gillespie! I was then dismayed to find that The Bloody Ground is more 10-years old or so and there is yet no further adventures! What am I to do? Having watched the Sharp series, I am reluctant to read the books, especially as I didn't like the last special made for TV as I thought it was not produced (by the tv people) to anywhere near the same standard as the initial series. Anyway, when or are you going to write a Starbuck 5? Also, when will the Saxon Stories continue? I have read virtually all your books in a space of a year! and appreciate that it took you much longer than that to write them. Many thanks. Steve Massey

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book you have written. I got started off on Sharpe, then quickly got into Arthur Chronicles, Thomas of Hookton, and have reread all of them more than once. My favorites are the Starbuck series and I really hope you do write another to take him to the end of the war and beyond maybe? Also, your Saxon series, (Uhtred)is the one I really love, I am in the process of finishing Lords of the North and really hope you write another in this series. I am a military officer and these books have provided a few moments of "get away" time while serving in the desert. Thanks again for the many well written books and I sincerely hope for many more! Jerry Bratu

Could you please advise me when your next book in the Saxon Stories will be available in the UK? A great read for me. Do please continue with this series. Thank you in advance. Sylvia Kingsgate

I have enjoyed many of your books especially the Archer series and The Saxon Stories. Question ! Will the next installment of the Saxon Series be out soon ? I am waiting for the next adventure of Uthred in his quest to get back his home. Harald Stavenas

Is there a sequel to 'The Lords Of The North'?

Jack Case

Dear Mr Cornwell. It seems an age since your last new book and serious withdrawal symptoms have set in. What's next and how soon?

Roger Gaspar

Hello Mr. Cornwell. It is very good of you to get back to me if you do. Finished the last book in the Saxon series, gotta say that Uthred is awesome and I've really enjoyed them. Aching to know what happens next. Please write more books on it because i think they are great and I want to know whether he gets Bebbanburg and alsorts. The third book was such a cliff-hanger to what would happen next. Thanks for the hours of reading pleasure

Chris Stroud

make more saxon books. Jesse

When will we get the next book in the Saxon stories? I've read The Lords of The North and can't wait for the next one.
Judy Fitzwater

I've read, enjoyed and appreciated all of your stories, from the very earliest on. Only one quick question...will we ever hear of Rider Sandman, again? John Leonard

I have just started reading the Sharpe books about a month ago and I'm already about to start reading Waterloo (I haven't read Sharpe's Fury to expensive I'm only 14 and pocket money doesn't pay £6.99 for each book!) and I was wondering if you ever find it hard to still write Sharpe books because there are so many.

I was also wondering if you ever felt sad when you have to kill of a semi-main character or a very likable one like general Nairn (sorry if you don't spell it like that) p.s hope you never stop writing the books and if you're asked would you make a video game of Sharpe?

Matthew Watson