Bernard Cornwell

[Tonyblack]

Can I suggest that we start threads for our favourite non-Pratchett authors?

I'm a great fan of the writings of historical novelist, Bernard Cornwell. he's probably best known through the Sharpe TV series - although everyone that I know (and I administer a Bernard Cornwell message board) says that they really prefer the books when they read them.

Other subjects he's covered are: The 100 Years War, Arthur, Alfred the Great, The American Civil War and various other periods including the building of Stonehenge.

I would thoroughly recommend his books to anyone.

And to top it all, Bernard Cornwell has confessed that his favourite ficticious character from another author's books is Commander Sam Vimes.

 

[Statsman]

And a damn fine read his books are as well.

 

[Twankydillo]

I've only read the Sharpe books. I found one on holiday once and then ran to the nearest book shop to buy some more. Then when I got home I raided my nearest library for more!

I didn't think they'd be my things. For some reason, I was expecting them to be slightly more clever bodice-rippers, but they're really not like that. I'm glad I read them.

 

[Tonyblack]

You might want to check out the Warlord Trilogy by Cornwell

The Winter King
Enemy of God and
Excalibur

They are set in Dark Ages Britain and tell the story of Arthur and his fight against the Saxons.

Probably the best series he's written.

 

[Statsman]

I'm always surprised that he's not done more of the Starbuck Chronicles (American Civil War) yet. They seemed to have so much potential in them.

Then again considering what he's done since he did those books, maybe he's just not had a chance yet

 

[Tonyblack]

He'd started on Starbuck after Sharpe and then the TV series of Sharpe came out. There was a huge demand for more Sharpe, so he went back to writing more.

He keeps saying that maybe, when he's done with Sharpe he'll return to Starbuck - we'll see.

 

[Hegewych]

Love his books, haven't read any of the american civil war, but will deffo look out for some of these.

 

[Tonyblack]

Well worth checking out! The main character is Nathaniel Starbuck, the son of a Northern minister, who ends up fighting for the South.

There are four books so far:

1. Rebel (1993)
2. Copperhead (1993)
3. Battle Flag (1995)
4. The Bloody Ground (1995)

The books are really good and you see the war from both sides. The real frustration is that the series ends when it does - but as I said, Cornwell has said that one day, maybe he may continue.

 

[Hegewych]

Off to Play.com for a looksee even as we speak.

 

[VesuvianRuin]

Funny really, I loved Sharpe the TV show and I'm always preaching to people about any book made into tv show or film to 'read the book, it's always 10 times better' and yet I've never read a Cornwell book ever.

Maybe it's time to get started!

 

[Tonyblack]

Funny really, I loved Sharpe the TV show and I'm always preaching to people about any book made into tv show or film to 'read the book, it's always 10 times better' and yet I've never read a Cornwell book ever.

Maybe it's time to get started!

You won't be disappointed! And the joy of Bernard's books is that the history is well researched, so you are learning as well as enjoying a great read.

 

[VesuvianRuin]

Funny really, I loved Sharpe the TV show and I'm always preaching to people about any book made into tv show or film to 'read the book, it's always 10 times better' and yet I've never read a Cornwell book ever.

Maybe it's time to get started!

You won't be disappointed! And the joy of Bernard's books is that the history is well researched, so you are learning as well as enjoying a great read.

That appeals to me even more because I am definitely a history buff!

 

[silverstreak]

I'm sorry to say I haven't read or seen any of this Cornwell chappie's output.Any good are they?

 

[Tonyblack]

He's a really good writer of historical fiction that brings a period alive.

His characters are believeable whether they are hero or villian. His villians are dreadful people who fill you full of outrage and you find yourself cheering when they are eventually defeated - but then you miss them and want them back.

 

[Witch from Lancre]

I haven't read the Civil War books. Perhaps I'll read one and see how it goes.

I loved the Sharpe books and was really annoyed when they adapted them for TV. It didn't help that Sean Bean played Sharpe either because I'm not keen on him at all. Gareth hasn't read the books (or rather heard the audio version) but loves the series. I watch TV in this room on my Sky+ box if he's watching it.

 

[Tonyblack]

The one good thing I'd say about the TV sreies is that it got people reading Bernard's books who might not have otherwise.

 

[Tonyblack]

Bernard Cornwell's next book 'Azincourt' or 'Agincourt' in the US is set for release in the UK on October 1st. I'm relieved as I thought it was due out later in the UK and I was going to be in Tucson - I'd planned to order from Amazon Canada. No need now.

It comes out on January 20th in the US.

 

[Tonyblack]

And an excellent book it is too! I bought it and read it almost straight through in one go.

He really brings the battle to life and pulls no punches. His research is excellent and the description of the actual battle is one of the best he's ever written.

Go and get it NOW! It's only £10 (and that's for a hardback) in ASDA, what are you waiting for?

 

[WannabeAngua]

Hmmm, I can see I will have to try one of his books soon

 

[Tonyblack]

I happened to be looking at Colin Smythe's (Terry's agent) website and the books that Terry has written or contributed to and came upon this item:

AN APPRECIATION OF SHARPE
Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe’s Trafalgar, Scorpion Press, Blakeney, Glos. 1999, p. [vi-viii]. Limited edition, bound in quarter artificial leather and marbled paper-covered boards, 99 numbered copies signed by the author. ‘A further 15 lettered de-lux copies, signed by the author and Terry Pratchett, were produced for private distribution.’ These were bound in quarter real goatskin with raised bands on spine.

More details and a picture here

I had no idea this item existed and my two favourite authors had worked together like this.

I want one!!