Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard, I eagerly await Azincourt as I'm a big fan of your work.To put my mind at rest could you tell me if Nick Hook is a relation of Thomas of Hookton. ie.great grandson.As you will know many people derived there surnames from the place of there birth.Is this the case or just wishful thinking on my part.Ten years ago at the age of 35 i read my first ever novel.It was Sharpe's prey. It was as if i was really there and I've been a big fan ever since. Many thanks Nick Horton.

Submitted August 26, 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

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Firstly I wanted to say how much I have thoroughly enjoyed every book of yours which I have read, with the Warlord trilogy my latest read but almost definitely my favourite! How about a film of this series? I know it's been asked before but I am seconding the idea! It would definitely make a good series of films, although I'm sure it would cost quite a bit. Anyway, thanks a lot for getting me into reading! (I was only 14 when I started your books). James

Submitted August 26, 2008

A

Thanks James! Who knows? Maybe someday it will happen.

Q

Mr. Cornwell my question is when Richard Sharpe arrived back in England from India on November 1805 how did he sell the Tippo's jewels and whom did he sell them too? I also wonder why he didn't purchase a captains commission since he was going to stay in the army? I am enjoying the all Sharpe's books.
Tony Contreras

Submitted August 26, 2008

A

Did you read Sharpe's Prey? I believe you'll find your answers there.

Q

I have been following the adventures of Uhtred and his companions since the books arrived on the book shelves. I was just wondering if the sequel to Sword Song will be written soon. Hoping to hear from you soon, Jim

Dear Mr Cornwall, Your books are very interesting and creative, I have read many of your books, but my interests are in the saxon series, and I will like to know if you are making a new one after 'Sword Song', and if you are, then please tell me when. Thank You. One of your many fans, Gunalan

Mr Cornwell I just want it to say I really like your books and I would like to ask when the new book after Sword Song will be published if you have finished it. thank you for your time. George Emmanouel

Submitted August 26, 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, I just read all 4 of your Starbuck Chronicles, one right after the other. I couldn't put them down, they were that interesting. I thought "The Bloody Ground" would tie them all up to an ending, but I see now that they were never finished...I hate to think that I spent 70 dollars on a story with no ending. But more importantly, I will always be wondering about what happened to Sally Truslow, her father, Julia Gordon,Nate,Bird, Tumlin (Blythe),Delaney, etc. I'm very disappointed that you found another vehicle more profitable in the Sharpe books. I wish you would write one more Starbuck book and just finish it...please?
John Russell

Submitted August 26, 2008

A

I do hope to return to Starbuck before too long...

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I am French and hear your books are very good, I would like to know if you believe the French version is authentic to English. thank you. Lucy Loiselle

Submitted August 21, 2008

A

I wish I knew! I don't speak (or read) French well enough to know. Perhaps all the endings are changed? That would be a fine French joke! Merci!

Q

Mr. Cornwell! Firstly I'd like to say that your books are incredible. You are able to captivate the reader on different levels compared to other authors. I have noticed you have very few criticisms which is always a plus. I have a few questions though, which you don't have to reply to, I was just bored of writing my bloody physiology essay. Firstly is it true that the Saxon invasion of Britain was more of a mass immigration, where the Briton's stood little chance due to their vulnerability after the Romans left?

Secondly, will you be making anymore references to the characters in the warlord trilogy in the Saxon stories? Because I think a point that makes you captivate readers is the way you describe the allies of the main characters as well as occasionally referring to characters such as Sansum and Arthur from the warlord books, making it seem that more epic.

Lastly will you be visiting England anytime soon for book signings? Fusing fiction and fact from the Dark ages is very enthralling as it is an era that is very blurry, I'd just like to give you another congratulation on your success so far. Chris

Submitted August 21, 2008

A

That is true - it was a mass migration by ruthless tribes who took advantage of internecine war among the indigenous British to establish themselves. There was, of course, a great deal of intermarriage . . . a lot of war, a lot of squabbles, and out of it? England.

I doubt it! The two tales are too far apart . . . . but never say never!

I will be in the UK in October. Take a look at the Diary page of this website for the itinerary.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I wanted to tell you I really liked the Sharpe books. I learned many things about the Napoleonic Wars just by reading this series. Will there be any more Sharpe books coming out in the future? I really like the characters Richard Sharpe and Patrick Harper. How did you think up those characters? I work in a library as an adult services librarian. I have access to all your books. I want to begin reading the other series too. I don't want to take up too much of your time. I am sure you are a busy man.. Sincerely, Angela Westphal Zion-Benton Public Library

Submitted August 21, 2008

A

Yes, there will be more Sharpe, but not for a few years.

Q

Mr. Cornwell: I am thoroughly enjoying your books and have lost much sleep as a result. I've especially enjoyed the Saxon and Warlord series. I have a light-hearted, hypothetical question for you: If Derfel and Uhtred, both in their prime, were able to fight a duel, who do you think would win? I have my idea as to the outcome, but would be interested to know "the creator's" opinion.
John Hollis

Submitted August 21, 2008

A

Oh, I just don't know - don't even think about it. What's your idea?

Q

Dear Bernard I am currently editing/writing for "Going Native in Alicante" and have put the Sharpe novels in the suggested reading list. I am currently reading Sharpe's Fury and found myself nosing through your books in Spanish at the National Library in Madrid as they are promoting them as background to the 200 Year Anniversary of the Peninsular Wars. (There is a fabulous expo in said library by the way; Goya prints and an amazing cartoon of a British soldier with woman and child and washing drying on his rifle as they march.) Is there any particular episode of Sharpe that related to Valencia or Alicante in particular as I know there was an attack on the castillo in Alicante by the British? Much obliged and keep writing. Susan Bearder

Submitted August 21, 2008

A

I can't think of any episode! But perhaps I should write one? And thank you for reminding me of that Goya print! OK! Sharpe must march to Valencia and Alicante! Gracias!