Your Questions

Hi, I am a student psychiatric nurse and am currently doing some research for a presentation. Part of this includes a section on the way that mentally ill people were viewed and treated in the dark ages, a very small part obviously as there is little information available. I was considering this a couple of days ago and remembered reading about the "Isle of the dead" in Enemy of
God and was wondering what your basis was for this, and if perhaps you could help me with a couple of references to help me on my way.. If you can not then that is fair enough. I am a massive fan of yours and enjoy your books immensley. Simon Austin.

Hi Bernard, I,ve been a big fan of yours for several years, and I have read all your books. Some of them more than once, and what I really like is the incredible detail, of wildlife and trees and flowers, and the amazing battle details, for example in The Last Kingdom, when Uhtred was in the shield wall at Cynuit, he started off with Wasp Sting and after a few deadly bloody blows, Wasp Sting was pulled out of his hand by an unnamed Dane, he then drew Serpents Breath and carried on killing. What happened to Wasp Sting? Because it's next mention is in The Pale Horseman, when Uhtred hands it to Iseult to kill Haswold at Aetheningaeg. Did someone pick it up and return it to him or did he pick it up himself?Excuse me for being picky Bernard, but as I said I really like the detail. I have enjoyed all your books, I am halfway through Vagabond for the second time, that Thomas is some lad isn't he? I am really looking forward to Sword Song and Uhtred's further adventures, keep on writing, you and Wilbur Smith are my top two authors. Many Regards Peter Carragher(UK)

Dear, Mr Cornwell I am a student in his first year of high school and I really enjoy reading your Sharpe books. The way you blend the right mix of history and fiction, as well as how you finish with a historical note. I also like the way you put in info on Sharpe's weapons and tactics. I am in the process of reading Sharpe's Trafalgar and am thoroughly enjoying it. I am wondering if there is a site where you can find a ship of the line cross section on the Internet. I must commend you on providing an enjoyable read for me and many others. Scott Allen

I have read every one of your books. I read Redcoat many years ago and recently reread it. It is a very good book. I was wondering if you ever thought about continuing the series and go farther into the American Revolution? Can't wait for the next Saxon book. Also wish you would go on with the Starbuck series. Thanks for all of the hours of reading I have enjoyed. Chuck Grantz

Dear Mr Cornwell, One question if I may - Now I think I read/heard this somewhere, on the other hand though, I may have made this up. I normally do with these things, down side to drinking too much caffeine and working shifts &Are you planning a new novel on the American Revolution War?? If so, any chance of a few bits of inside info - obviously not the big stuff that would ruin the story. Will it be like Redcoat - many main characters - or one main character. Will they be Brit, Rebel or German, French maybe?&nooo. Will it be a one off, or a series etc& Ive always found that campaign interesting, though, granted I dont know much about it - and personally I think the rebels cheated a bit (They had a very unsporting habit of hiding behind tress). Many Thanks for your time P.S. Thanks again for kindly signing my copy of Sharpes Rifles I sent you. Hope you didnt find the enclosed letter to worshiping. Thanks again, Andrew

I can't tell you how much I look forward to your historical novels. My only complaint is that I've read all your available works and have to show patience for the next one. Have you ever thought of doing an American Revolution novel (or 2 or 3)? Thank you for hours and hours of pure pleasure.

Jim Lucey

I have enjoyed reading almost all of your other books except the Sharpe and the Starbuck series. I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I have been in reading your books. Your style of writing just strikes a chord with me. I am intrigued by the way you handle female characters in your books (the one I have read, of course), a similar thread seems to run through them, is that deliberate or unconscious? (I could elaborate but I'm sure you'd know what I am talking about). Of course, you accord them general respect but women seem to have key characteristics and relationship with the heroes of your stories. I can't wait to read the next book in the Saxon Series. When shall we expect the next one? Thanks for such entertaining and beautiful style of writing. Ishaya Yarison

I have to admit your Arthur books are my favorites as well. I found them fascinating. I thought the way you treated Arthur as a secondary character was a master stroke and I appreciated the effort you put into making the stories historically accurate or at least, historically plausible. I cannot believe that they did not use your stories as the basis for that movie "King Arthur" that was represented as the "true story of Arthur." Was he suppose to be Macsen Weldig? Were Saxons and Vortigren invading Britain before the Romans left Britain?. Give me a break! Even if there were two Arthurs as some scholars suggest they would both have to have existed 200 years after that movie took place. Am I missing something? I would be interested in any Authors that you admire that deal in bringing myth to life with historically viable explanations. I am familiar with most of the very popular writers. Curious as to your opinion of Stephen Lawhead. I like his writing style, but in book Talesin he has Atlantis sinking during Roman times. It ruined the story for me. I really wish you would have come out with a version of "Robin Hood." His version was OK, but are we really going to swallow that Robin Hood was Welsh and he did not live in Sherwood Forest? I thought Stephen Whyte's "Camulod Chronicles were very good. Mary Stewart's "Hollow Hills" series was amazing. Yes, I am writing in this genre. My first book "The Fires of Belenus" is due out in December 2007 (Wings Press). Take care and keep the books coming. When I have one of your books to read, I eagerly look forward to going to bed, because that is time I allocate to read for pleasure.

One more thing. Do you have an opinion on Harry Mountain's Celtic Encyclopedia? I have found it invaluable for reference when dealing with anything ancient and Celtic.
William H. Russeth

Dear Mr Cornwell O great bringer of joy and happiness I was just wondering what were the names of Harper's children? I've not yet finished Devil and I was just wondering what their names are? Thank you for all the books and the 25 weeks its taken me to read up to now.
Tom Owen

Just a quick question Mr. Cornwell, as I am now reading SHARPE'S SWORD I have noticed a similarity in nearly all of your books. Almost all of your Ensigns are young, usually 16 or younger and they usually ALWAYS die. Is this a historical fact or do you just prefer killing off young inncocent children? Ryan Quint

Dear Mr.Bernard Cornwell, As I worte in my earlier comment about the next Sharpe books, could you give me a hint of what is to come and what it will be called? P.S About the Yew Bow, is it all right if I use yew from Britain as I do not have access to timber from the mediterranean or from oregon? Charlie

Dear Bernard, While looking forward to your next Viking novel I wondered if you knew what you would be writing about after that ???

And in regards to the Sharpe series, will Sharpe ever be involved the Tarragona campaign and Murray's subsequent court martial, he seems a rather wretched general, how did he gain command??? And after having Sharpe at Barossa have you thought of getting Sharpe to Grahams final action at Bergen Opp Zoom?????

Finally although slightly left of field but due to the fact you write about archers and they were involved, ever any chance of writing about the battles of Falkirk and Bannockburn??? Yours sincerely Tony

P.S Two really good books on the Napoleonic wars out if you have not already read them but Glorious Field of Grief by Micheal Oliver and Richard Partridge on the battle of Albuera and Adam Zaymoski's new book Rites of Peace the fall of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna are both worth a read or two if you are interested.

Dear Mr Cornwell, Like most who visit your site I have enjoyed reading many of your novels. The Sharpe series are my favourite, but I also enjoyed Redcoat, as I have an avid interest in the American Rev war.I wrote as part of a thesis a study of Banastre Tarleton a much maligned but extraordinary cavalry commander on the British side. I am surprised no-one has written a novel about the guy as he led quite some life! My question is, and forgive me if I've missed something, as I have not read quite all the Sharpe novels, but did he fight in the war of 1812 against the USA? I believe elements of the 95th did, and if he hasn't turned up there yet I feel it would make a great story and a change of scenery. Have you, or would you consider it? The Americans may not like it though, if I remember correctly the enemy in the film Master and Commander was changed from the Americans to the French to placate the American audience.. This is a shame but the brits always seem to get a raw deal in many historical films....The Patriot springs to mind, the bad guy in that was based on Tarleton and was a total injustice to his character. Anyway kind regards, and I look forward to your views on Sharpe in America?
N. Pearce