Your Questions

Q

Sir, hope this is the right place to ask a question, just wondered if you had any thoughts on writing any books around the time of the Crusades? Ian Starkie

Submitted September 12, 2008

A

This is the right place! For some reason I can never get very excited about the Crusades, though perhaps that will change?

Q

Hallo Mr Cornwell, I am from Germany and I love your Books! My Question is: If the Starbuck Chronicles are also translated into the German one? Many thanks and greeting, Martin

Submitted September 12, 2008

A

No, the Starbuck novels have not been translated to German. No plans for it as far as I know.

Q

Dear Bernard, Good old Amazon is all I can say, for if it was not for Amazon I would not have read your books. Two years ago I stumbled upon a book by Robyn Young, the first of a trilogy she is yet to complete. After reading her book and wanting more historical fiction Amazon recommended a book of yours. I am now an addict and fan to you and your work. I have this evening finished the third of your 'Arthur novels' and a couple of months ago completed the four of your Saxon books following the story of Uhtred. I have now purchased Harlequin and eagerly await its delivery and hence the commencement of my Grail quest. I am now quite sad I will hear no more of Derfel, he feels like a close friend, a fraternal brother even and I'm not quite ready to let go! When I read your books I feel like I am transported to live and breathe the moment, I can feel the emotion, smell the battles and feel compelled to join in with sword in hand - time passes by until I am brought back to reality with a question from my Kate or a bark of the dog! I look forward to reading my next dose of your writing, I would like however to ask one question if I could? Will Uhtred's story continue? Many thanks for taking the time to read my comments and I would like to wish you the very best with your new novel and future writing. I will look out for your name in stores for book signing and would like to shake your hand. Yours sincerely Paul MacKenzie

Submitted September 12, 2008

A

Thank you! The answer is yes - Uhtred's story will continue.

Q

Mr Cornwell, I am writing in regards to your most recent series; The Saxon Stories. I started reading these when they first came out as I am extremely interested in Viking history and the shaping of modern day England (and Britain). I must say that I personally believe that this series is your best piece of work due to the historical depth, the complex characters and your ability to encapsulate the massive tide of Christianity which engulfed Europe at the time. My question is this; have you started work on the next novel yet? If so, do you have a rough estimate on when you will finish/release it? Kind regards James

Bernard - if I may call you by your first name - I just read your Arthur series and I COULD NOT put the books down. Fantastic. Haven't had a novel capture me like that in a long long time. Thank you for endless hours of reading pleasure. I have now ordered the Alfred the Great Series. I am from Canada, and my friend from England recommended you to me. Well, at least that's ONE thing he's done right. He would like me to ask you when you will be releasing the 5th book in the Alfred series (he's very shy and my command of the English language is better than his) Once again, thank you for Arthur, and Nimue, and Galahad, etc etc........

Diane

Submitted September 11, 2008

A

I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories so no title yet, 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

Hello Bernard,Could you please tell me which of your many characters would you most like to be for a day and which one is most like yourself. Regards Nick.

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

Obadiah Hakeswill is most like me. The one I'd want to spend a day with? Difficult. A day with Sharpe would teach me a lot, but I'd probably prefer almost any of the heroines . . .

Q

Mr. Cornwell, My name is Carolina and I'm from Brazil. Me and my friend Verônica are doing a school's project based on Arthur's legend. So, would you describe to us Arthur's crest with all the details? In the Brazilian cover of "The Winter King" there's an image of Arthur's bear, but we need the colours, the shape and the background of the crest. If you could send us a picture, you would help us a lot. Thank you sooooooooooooo much! Carolina and Verônica. P.s.: We LOVE your books :D

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I'm not sure I ever described his crest in detail? In the 5th - 6th centuries there were no 'crests' in the heraldic sense, merely symbols and flags, and I gave Arthur a plume of white goose-feathers that he would have worn on his helmet as a crest. That's not very helpful! I think you can make up your own bear! I never described it!

Q

I have been reading my way through the Sharpe novels chronologically and have recently finished "Battle" - which now is my favorite. "Tiger" is my next favorite. I was wondering if there is there is a Sharpe novel which you enjoyed writing more than others? LOL - excluding the monetary compensation. Best regards, Joe - Fenton, MO

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I enjoyed so many - - - but probably Trafalgar?? I liked Lady Grace

Q

At the moment, you're in the middle of Saxon Series, Starbuck Series, Sharpe and have just written Azincourt. How do you decide to add to a current series, start a new book or series? Simon ps I enjoy all your book series, but the books Redcoat and Gallow's Thief are the best. Any chance of a sequel? Simon Windsor

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I choose what interests me! Simple as that.

Glad to hear you enjoyed Redcoat and Gallows Thief - no sequels planned at the moment.

Q

Hi, my name's André Morelo, I'm a Brazilian graphic design student, and concerning the historical knowledge that is presented in your books, I think that maybe you could help me. I've already read some of your books that were translated to Portuguese, and I'm even trying to buy some books in English, and I really liked The Grail Quest, and Thomas, the archer was really great. Anyway, for my graduation project, I want to make a card game based on great conquerors, and generals in history, and since you are a great historical-romanticist, I would really appreciate if you could give me some hints of historical generals, and conquerors. If possible with yours commanders, and allies. By the way, I really need a lot of those characters, around 40, if possible, if not, just a few is all'right. Thanks for your time, and please keep writing! André Morelo

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

Oh dear - I'd suggest Marlborough, Frederick the Great, Wellington, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, Attilla the Hun, Julius Caesar, but you've probably thought of all those yourself. You might search 'Great Commanders' on Amazon and come up with more?

Q

Dear Bernard. Yes! Well done, you thrashed us in the one day series. I may have solved Sgt Hakeswill's final destination. Just test the Australian cricket sides DNA? But what I would like to know is where did the Saxons originally come from and did they bring Christian beliefs to England? Lords of the North)Regards Kevin- South Africa.

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

The Saxons originated from Germany - but they themselves had been driven westward by other enemies. No, they didn't bring Christianity to Britain - that was imported by the Romans (who have a lot to answer for). The Saxons reintroduced paganism, but were in turn converted by missionaries from Europe, by which time the remnants of Celtic Christianity were holed up in Ireland and Wales. I didn't follow the one-day series at all . . . . sounds good, though.