Until recently, it seemed that a quality historical novel had died. But very timely to the world are the Saxon Chronicles and the Pale Horseman of Cornwell. Reviews and reviews on a series of books are extremely positive. In this article, we decided to share an opinion and a brief overview of Cornwell's work.
about the author
Bernard Cornwell is an English writer best known for his historical novels. He is the author of four books on the American Civil War, three on King Arthur, three on the Hundred Years War, and five modern thrillers in addition to his famous Sharp series. Cornwell is best known as the author of books about the fictional character Richard Sharpe - an English soldier. The series, consisting of several novels and short stories, tracks the character's progress in the British army during the Napoleonic Wars. Books became so popular that they were later adapted for the television series.
Cornwell is an active and pleasant person who is always cheerful and easy to climb. He is absolutely in love with his profession. An interesting fact is that the love of a woman pushed him to the cause of his life. Living in the UK, he met an American, fell in love, and followed her to the United States. Unable to get any other work, he began to write works of art. Combining his love of writing with a sincere interest in history, Cornwell focused on writing historical novels. In the end, his books became bestsellers, so the famous author decided to go into writing. In addition to fiction, he also published a non-fiction work on the Battle of Waterloo.
Saxon Chronicles
Saxon Stories (also known as Saxon Chronicles (Tales) in the United States and Warrior Chronicles) is an ongoing historical series of novels written by Bernard Cornwell about 9th and 10th century Britain. The protagonist of the books is Utred from Bebbanburg, the son of a Saxon lord born in Northumbria. It was captured by the Danes and raised by them. Actions take place during the Danish invasions of Britain, when all but one English kingdom were conquered. The name of the main character comes from the historical Utred the Bold.
The story tells about the appearance of the British as a nation on the island of Britain from the point of view of Alfred, who later received the title of "Great". The king of Wessex, Alfred, reluctantly agrees that after the defeat at Wilton he cannot drive the invaders from the island and is forced to make peace with them. His heirs consolidate those undertakings that Alfred declares.
Books
To date, the series has 11 books:
- The Last Kingdom (2004);
- The Pale Horseman (2005);
- The Lord of the North (2006);
- Song of the Heavenly Sword (2007);
- "Burning Earth" (2009);
- The Death of Kings (2011);
- The Pagan Lord (2013);
- The Empty Throne (2014);
- Warriors of the Storm (2015);
- "Carrying the flame" (2016);
- "War of the Wolf" (2018).
Given the commercial success of books, it can be assumed that the 11th book is not the last. Most likely, in the next 2 years we are waiting for the release of the next novel.
The Pale Horseman
In this inspirational sequel to The Last Kingdom's best-selling book, minority Saxon troops continue to fight the Danish invaders. This is 877 g. e., the Northumbrian nobleman Utred had just defeated the Danes at the Battle of Sinuit in southern England.
Logically, Utred must now enter into an alliance with Alfred, whose kingdom of Wessex successfully resists Danish control. But Utred sees a better chance of regaining the lost estate if he finds a way to join the Danes who raised him and whose simple life of “ale, women, sword and reputation” he considers more favorable than Alfred’s Christian piety and military caution. But when the Danes invaded Wessex, the old strategy built by Utred crashed. His Celtic mistress portends victory to Alfred, but the pale horseman can hardly believe that a battered king, housed in isolated swamps with a handful of supporters, can repel the invaders and unite England.
Yet pride grows in Utred: “I realized that for the Danes I was just as important as my friends, and without friends I would be just another landless, brainless warrior. But on the other hand, the blood of the Saxons flows in me which requires me to join Alfred. " Utred demonstrates his new patriotism in one of the decisive battles of the book, in Eddington.
Bernard Cornwell's The Pale Horseman is an exciting tale filled with bawdy humor, bloodlust, betrayal and valor, which will make readers crave the next volume from the Alfred the Great series.
Film adaptation
In 2015, a series called "The Last Kingdom" was released. It is dedicated not separately to the "Pale Horseman" of Cornwell, but to his entire "Saxon Chronicle." The text itself was adapted by the author.
The main role in the series is played by Alexander Dreimon. Born of the Saxon nobility, but brought up by the Danes, after the defeat of his father in battle, he turns out to be an excellent warrior and leader. They are driven by the urgent need to return to their homeland in Bebbanburg (Northumbria).
The actor also starred in the special film “Christopher and His Kindness” along with Matt Smith, as well as in “American Horror Story: The Coven” as Luke Ramsey.
The series has a fairly high ratings. It seems that this theme attracts more viewers than the series about rich modern girls. Currently available for viewing the third season of the series. The release date of the 4th season is not yet known.
The Song of Ice and Fire by George Martin or The Pale Horseman by Bernard Cornwell
On the Web, you can often stumble upon articles that compare the two most popular series based on the books of Martin and Cornwell. Despite the fact that the books belong to completely different genres, they are often compared with each other. Reading the explanations, the following tendency can be revealed: Martin is interesting to watch, but difficult to read, and Cornwell is preferable to read than to watch. What will end this fight, ratings will show in April, when the final season of the most popular series in the world - "Game of Thrones" - will be released.