Bernard Cornwell

Author:
Bernard Cornwell

Date of birth: 23-Feb-1944
Place of birth: London, England UK

About the author:
Bernard Cornwell (born February 23, 1944) is a bestselling British author best known for his historical fiction, particularly the Sharpe series and The Last Kingdom series. His work is admired for its vivid battle scenes, compelling characters, and rich historical detail.

Cornwell was born in London, England, and adopted shortly after birth. He was raised in Essex by strict members of a religious sect called the Peculiar People. After studying at the University of London, he worked as a journalist for the BBC, eventually becoming head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland.

In the late 1970s, Cornwell moved to the United States after marrying an American woman. Unable to get a work permit at first, he turned to writing novels—something he’d always wanted to do. His first book, Sharpe’s Eagle, was published in 1981 and introduced readers to Richard Sharpe, a British soldier during the Napoleonic Wars. The Sharpe series grew to over 20 novels and was later adapted into a popular TV series starring Sean Bean.

Cornwell further cemented his reputation with The Last Kingdom series, set in 9th- and 10th-century England during the Viking invasions. The books follow the life of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman raised by Vikings, torn between two worlds. The series was adapted into the hit Netflix series The Last Kingdom, expanding Cornwell’s audience even further.

He has also written stand-alone novels and other series, including The Warlord Chronicles (a retelling of the Arthurian legend) and The Grail Quest trilogy.

Cornwell’s writing is praised for its meticulous research, gripping storytelling, and ability to bring history vividly to life. In 2006, he was appointed OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to literature.