I am a huge Bernard Cornwell fan. I first encountered him on TV when Masterpiece Theater did the Sharpe series, what, about twenty years ago? Stellar.
Over the years I have read the Sharpe books, constantly amazed how convincingly he handles battle.
Later, I read the Grail Quest series, where he did a fine job on an earlier time period.
His Stonehenge, 2000 B.C. is equally convincing.
He creates great villains, believable Dickensian characters who complicate already difficult situations for his heroes. His heroines, alas, are cardboard, mere foils, but the authentic-seeming adventure more than makes up for this.
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Great action writer
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Cornwell can do no wrong.
I can't think that anyone would disagree that he is one of the top historical fiction writers out there.
Sharpe is his best, followed by the Grail Quest. Then the Saxon series followed by the Arthur Series. The Starbuck Chronicles are great, but I'm not all that into the subject matter, so those novels rank low on my list.
no one ever talks about "Gallows Thief" despite the fact that it is Cornwell at his best: it's a story told in the nineteenth century, not about the ninenteenth century.
By the way, good to see you found this site Alaric.
I can't think that anyone would disagree that he is one of the top historical fiction writers out there.
Sharpe is his best, followed by the Grail Quest. Then the Saxon series followed by the Arthur Series. The Starbuck Chronicles are great, but I'm not all that into the subject matter, so those novels rank low on my list.
no one ever talks about "Gallows Thief" despite the fact that it is Cornwell at his best: it's a story told in the nineteenth century, not about the ninenteenth century.
By the way, good to see you found this site Alaric.
Gallow's Thief is my absolute favourite Cornwell to date Cuchullain. I couldn't put that one down. I enjoy Sharpe, and the Harlequin series. The Uhtred ones are not half bad either. I wall-banged Stone Henge and couldn't get into the Arthur ones - a case of not believing in the worlds created and not actually caring - especially with Stone Henge. But Gallow's Thief. 10 out of 10.
Hasn't he written one with his wife too? My dh got hold of it I think but wasn't keen.
Hasn't he written one with his wife too? My dh got hold of it I think but wasn't keen.
Les proz e les vassals
Souvent entre piez de chevals
Kar ja li coard nI chasront
'The Brave and the valiant
Are always to be found between the hooves of horses
For never will cowards fall down there.'
Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal
www.elizabethchadwick.com
Souvent entre piez de chevals
Kar ja li coard nI chasront
'The Brave and the valiant
Are always to be found between the hooves of horses
For never will cowards fall down there.'
Histoire de Guillaume le Mareschal
www.elizabethchadwick.com
I arrived late in life to the Bernard Cornwell fan club, but he is now a real favorite and I agree with all that's been said so far. I especially like Cornwell's supporting casts. I just read the Saxon series, and love the characters that are Uhtred's friends: Leofric, Pyrlig, Steapa, Beocca the priest. Even his enemies in some ways are to be enjoyed: Guthred who betrays him, Erik who fought him and then asked a favor, and of course King Alfred who constantly frustrates Uhtred and also me, the reader.
BC..I've been reading him since the 80's....I was a bit bored with "Stonehenge"...."Redcoat" is one of my favorites.... "Gallows Thief" is brilliant......If you haven't checked out his website....It's must for BC fans....Can't wait for "Azincourt" .......
Last edited by chuck on Wed September 17th, 2008, 1:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
"Azincourt" is out! Couldn't wait, so I've ordered a copy from British online bookstore, Book Depository