Bernard Cornwell
Bernard Cornwell was born in London in 1944—a 'warbaby'—to a Canadian airman father and a mother in Britain's Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted by a family in Essex who belonged to a religious sect called the Peculiar People. Cornwell later escaped to London University and, after a stint as a teacher, joined BBC Television, where he worked for ten years.
He began as a researcher on the Nationwide programme and eventually became Head of Current Affairs Television for the BBC in Northern Ireland. While working in Belfast, he met Judy, a visiting American, and fell in love. Judy was unable to move to Britain for family reasons, so Cornwell moved to the United States, where he was initially refused a Green Card. He decided to pursue writing, a career that did not require a U.S. work permit, and began developing the adventures of a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars—the Sharpe series was born.
Bernard and Judy married in 1980, still live in the United States, and he continues to write the Sharpe novels.
What genres does Bernard Cornwell write in?
Cornwell writes historical fiction with a strong military focus, including adventure novels set during the Napoleonic Wars, the Anglo-Saxon era, medieval Europe (including Agincourt), and Arthurian Britain.
What are Bernard Cornwell's main series and notable standalone novels?
His major series include the Sharpe novels (Napoleonic era), the Saxon Chronicles/Last Kingdom series, and the Grail Quest series. He has also written Arthurian novels and standalone historical novels such as Azincourt and The Fort.
How should I read the Last Kingdom (Saxon Chronicles) series?
Begin with The Last Kingdom (Saxon Chronicles / Last Kingdom Book 1) and continue in series order: The Pale Horseman (Book 2), The Lords of the North (Book 3), Sword Song (Book 4), The Burning Land (Book 5), Death of Kings (Book 6), and The Pagan Lord (Book 7).
Where is a good place for a new reader to start with Cornwell's work?
Start with a series that matches your preferred setting: for Anglo-Saxon history, begin with The Last Kingdom (Book 1); for Napoleonic action, try one of the Sharpe novels; for medieval treasure/adventure, try the Grail Quest opener Harlequin.
Are Cornwell's books historically accurate?
Cornwell’s novels are historical fiction grounded in real events, battles, and periods. He blends documented history with fictional characters and plots, providing detailed period and military accuracy alongside invented elements for storytelling.