Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, I'd like to thank you for many hours well spent. I didn't think I'd like your version of King Arthur but once I picked up the first book I realized that yours is perhaps one of, if not the best, modern version around. I think I must be in the minority when I say I don't want to see a movie based on your Arthur books. I think Hollywood would ruin them. However, my question has to do with another fine effort of yours -- the Grail Quest. How far could an English Archer fire an arrow and have a reasonable expectation of hitting a target, say, the size of a man's head? At what distance could he expect to be effective firing at a grouped mass of men? Thanks for the answer, and thanks for the books! -- Eric from Memphis

THE LAST KINGDOM is greatly anticipated. Have you had the occasion the read THE WALKING DRUM by Louis L'Amour which is very much on point and seems to be a continuation of the Viking sagas? Best regards from across the pond. Richard Dupere

I am a big fan of Richard Sharpe and would very much like to know if there was a book prior to Sharpe's Tiger that gives an insight into his early life? Thank you for the many hours of pleasure your books have given. Mary Butterworth

Dear Bernard, I have just finished my second read of your Warlord Trilogy after a gap of nearly 10 years since I first read it. Now that this site gives me an opportunity to contact you, I would just like to say how impressively written and moving these books are. I read a great deal of fiction - both classic and contemporary - yet there are few books I will feel like re-reading the moment I have finished them. I almost feel like Derfel is one of my friends now - so well do I know him! This period of history fascinates me and I am so glad that you have given the Arthurian legends the re-telling they deserve. I would love to see this trilogy as a film series one day. Given how well Peter Jackson brought Tolkien's work to the cinema - is this something you would consider if the right director approached you? Thanks for writing these books anyway - I look forward to encouraging my son to read them when he's old enough. Regards, Phil.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a great fan of historical fiction (especially enjoying the works of Jeff and Mike Shaara). As such, I have been greatly impressed with the Sharpe books I have read thus far (the 1st 8 down - 12 to go!). The question I have may be a rather personal one. In lieu of your many characters who have a distaste for the Church of England, I must ask is this your own subtle attack on Christianity or just the hierarchal church? More to the point, are you a follower of Christ? I ask these questions in hopes that it will help me to have a better understanding of your viewpoint - as I read your books. I myself am not terribly keen on organized religion. However, I do believe in a releationship with the Risen Lord and fellowship with His believers. Respectfully, Eric S. McCoy, Sr. Florence, KY

I am an avid reader of your series, The Sharpe Books. I have read every Sharpe book and purchased the VHS tapes of Sharpe's Rifles. Are you going to write another Sharpe Book, and, if so, when? Mark Dixon

Dear Bernard, I started with 'Tiger' last June and have followed a thoroughly enjoyable (if bloodthirsty) journey up to Waterloo which I am halfway through. Already I am mourning the realisation that I have only one installment in Sharpe's life to go. Although I am looking forward to starting on some of your other books, I read an interview with you when you declared that you would finish writing Sharpe after 21 books - Please tell me that this isn't the case! Surely there is life in the old dog yet?? I also wondered whether you would ever consider writing more Sharpe short stories? Thanks for writing these fantastic books and creating this marvellous character I have enjoyed every single page. Mitch

Hello there! Mr. Cornwell, you are a leader in a very scarce field, namely, historical fiction. I am always grateful that you take the time to put together the absorbing, accurate, and bloody (it's true!) novels that your fans treasure so much. What my praise stands for alongside the Times reviews may not be much, but there it is! I'm curious, do you watch historical films (pre-1600 era films, say)? These are scarce as well. Any favourites? I have my fingers crossed for Kingdom of Heaven (if you have not heard of it, you see its website!)! Anyway, I am reading through Heretic, and will no doubt read Last Kingdom next. May Thomas return! Again, thanks for all your hard work - We the Fans are very grateful! Stuart Old

Dear sir, I have read the entire of the Starbuck Chronicles, the Grail Quest series, the Last Kingdom and the Sharpe series. My two questions concern the Sharpe series: Firstly I am curious as to the respective army and Navy ranking system in the Napoleonic Era. It is often said in your books that Captain of a ship in the British Navy is equivalent to full colonel in the British Army, but with the marines and more junior officers I am still confused (I even read the entire Alexander Kent series in an attempt to help out). Is a naval Lt. equivalent (I.E who would he not have to adress as sir) to a major, captain, army Lt., etc. or can they not really be compared? Does a second Lt. in the navy constitute a lower equivalent army rank than a First Lt.? And while marines obviously use army names and ranks, is a Marines captain on par with a Naval Lt. or does he rank higher? Secondly in the Sharpe books the cavalry a always referred to as fancy rich boys (with the exception of the KGL Cavalry and sergeant Lockheart and his men) but I wondered as to their actual position. Is a cavalry private simply a poor man as any infantry private, simply one who can ride a horse, or would they have to have enough money to pay for all the expensive cavalry equipment. Would they be treated with more seniority than an infantry private? Yours sincerely, James Browne (P.S please write another Starbuck book)

Please, do not retire before you write another superb novel about Agincourt !! Any plans for Marlborough ?? short answer will do thanks. G. A. Margaritis, Athens Greece

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am currently reading "Stonehenge" (actually listening to it on tape) and am a bit troubled by some of your historical choices. From what I have read, there is fairly scant evidence of regular human sacrifice in 2000 BCE and certainly not on the scale that you describe. Am I missing some reliable scholarship? Similiarly, most human sacrifice (wherever it was practiced), as I'm sure you're aware, had some social value (getting rid of the weak, or one's enemies (if you were Aztec), etc.) and I can see none in sacrificing prime breeding stock. Besides wanting to give the best to the Gods, what compelled you to choose this? While I disagree strongly with some of your choices, it certainly is a ripping good yarn, and I will read your Arthur series when I have finished Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy (plus her recent fourth book) as well as the original Morte D'Arthur. Cheers and thanks! Stephan Collins