Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell, in your book, "The Burning Land," a character relates the story of Saint Werburgh who prayed to God to chase the geese from her cornfield. I assume you are using the term "corn" to mean a general grain since that is what it meant to Europeans of that time. I am sure you are aware that the grain generally called corn these days is a New World crop completely unknown in ancient Europe. I would like to see another term chosen than corn since a huge amount of people these days have no idea what the modern world owes Native Americans--maybe you should write a book...

Donna Delgadillo

Have heard through the grapevine that Azincourt is going to be made into a film. Is it true?! And if so are they looking for extras who can handle a warbow? Your bringing to life of that battle was a truly exceptional read. Am looking forward to seeing the results on screen if the rumours are true! Cheers, Ross

Hi Mr Cornwell, could you just tell me if earsling, the insult you use in your Uhtred books, is a true Saxon term? Do you know of any other similar names, so far I have found earming, hinderling and wyrmlic Regards Paula

Hello Bernard, I must be one of your more unusual fans - a 62 yo Australian female who has been a couturier and academic, now commencing a third career as a poet. However, I feel such a strong rush of joyous familiarity every time I begin one of your Saxon stories that, if reincarnation is a true condition of our existence, then I have lived in that world, been a man much like your Uhtred of Bebbanburg, and certainly, as a woman, would love such a man if he ever passed my way. I am also a fairly stern literary critic, find poor quality prose quite unbearable, even if the story line is good. So, that I revel in your command of the language, find naught to irk in your sentence construction, and devour your tales with much pleasure is as great a compliment I can deliver to any writer. I have yet to read your Arthur books, but will seek them out, as you may gather from my surname, which has been legally assumed, that I have a deep affinity with early Britain, especially the myth of Merlyn, whom I see as the extant representative of our most original peoples. I think, perhaps, the Druids and their earth-based spirituality, may yet have much to teach us in these dire days. Given that you evidently have such a great intellectual, cultural, and even an emotional investment in Britain, I am curious why you choose to live in America? Wherever you live, I am grateful Britain is the place and people you write about. Through those tales, I have come to feel deeply connected to you, and so can say with all honesty you have my fondest regards, Teri

Mr Cornwell, I have recently enjoyed the documentary Sharpe's War on the Military channel and wondered if at any point it is intended for a DVD release?. Thank you. Dan

Dear Mr Cornwell, Thank you so much for the wonderful novels you continue to supply to us. From Uhtred of Bebbanburg to Richard Sharpe your ability to build characters is second to none, and I for one am most grateful. My question is, if you had the chance to make any one Sharpe novel into a feature film, which one would it be AND who would you cast in the leading roles? Sean Bean was excellent as Richard Sharpe, and until I read the novels (I watched the TV films first) I did not realise how well Pete Postlethwaite portrayed Hakeswill. But given the choice, who would you see as being the perfect Richard Sharpe. Sincerely yours Tony M

Dear Bernard, I have never written to an author before in my life, I am now 45 and have been an avid reader of books since a very early age since my father gave me "the hobbit"to read. I studied history at school and 6th form college and found most of it interesting but some teachers we very dull whilst the odd one was very passionate about whatever period we studied.I never studied anything before the 18th century so your books starting from Stonehenge were a breath of fresh air. I am currently just starting "The Burning land" and am looking forward to the odd hour when I can immerse myself in it. I have also read all the Sharpe books and have one question regarding them. Did you feel the television version lived up to your expectations and i gather that Sean Bean was not the first choice for the part but i feel that he plays the part very well.Keep up the good work and many thanks for the odd bit of escapism you bring Many thanks Adrian Kenwright

I've read all the Sharpe series and the archer series. I just watched the ...movie...Sharpe's Rifles. I know every author wants to see his books on film. But please tell me you didn't actually like that adaptation. I didn't see the Richard Sharpe I came to know in the books at all.

Ronald Hall

I was thinking, as Richard appears to be destined in driving the French crazy perhaps (as there does appear to be a gap in the series) Sharpe ends up at the battle of Maida (1806) purely by accident?

Joshua Selig

Eagerly awaiting the next 'Saxon' story, as are so many of your fans. A suggestion: a notice on your (wonderful) website, showing the approximate release date of your next Saxon/Sharpe/other book? Cornwell junkies just don't have the patience to wade through the FAQs when we're JONESING for the next adventure!! Many thanks for your splendid work, dear sir!

Bob Rice

Bernard, May I respectfully suggest that your next book be dedicated to Pete Postlethwaite, a small mark of respect for a man who bought Obidiah to life. The Sykes and Postlewhaite club?? Andy Houghton

Hi Bernard, I've been reading through your Sharpe books, and have found them thoroughly entertaining (particularly Sharpe's Fortress). I'm currently reading through Sharpe's Prey, however, I'm unsure of how Sharpe gained his rank to Lieutenant? Can you advise me of how he got this promotion? Kind Regards Jack Wells