A historian who loves war stories, Bernard Cornwell has written some of the best, most experted researched historical fiction novels around. It’s no wonder TV producers have been interested in them.
Cornwell's most famous work is the Sharpe series, about a soldier in the Napoleonic Wars. It was adapted into a long-running BBC show that made Sean Bean a star. There’s also The Saxon Stories, which inspired the Netflix show The Last Kingdom, and The Warlord Chronicles, which would become the MGM+ series The Winter King.
All three TV series were great, but Cornwell has written many more books that would be perfect for adaptation. They all boast exciting characters, focus on unique periods in history and have plenty of action to keep readers enthralled. Let's look at some of the top candidates:
The Grail Quest
The Holy Grail is a subject that has always captivated fantasy authors. Cornwell approaches it more seriously than most with this tale of Thomas of Hookton, who, following the murder of his father, enlists as an archer in the army of Edward III in 1347. Amid the various battles against the French in what will become the Hundred Years War, Thomas is drawn into a search for the Grail.
Thomas is an intriguing character, a man just trying to survive in this harsh world, not be a hero. Yet he finds himself mixed up in major events like the invasion of Scotland and the fall of Calais while engaged in romances, friendships and this search for the Grail. A TV show could give each book in this series its own season. The Grail would add a little supernatural flavor to this historical tale, and great battle would make for an amazing experience.
The Starbuck Chronicles
While Cornwell is usually associated with medieval Britain, he broke the mold with The Starbuck Chronicles, set in the American Civil War. The title character is Nathaniel Starbuck, born in Boston and visiting a friend in Richmond when Fort Sumter kicks the war off. Before he knows it, Starbuck is pulled into joining the Confederacy, and is there for several key battles of the war.
The books have fun with the idea of a “Yankee” as a Confederate soldier. Starbuck puts together a pack of allies that includes Pattrick Lassan, the son of Richard Sharpe. There are also scores of historical characters who make brief appearances.
A TV show about the Civil War is a bit overdue for modern times, and Cornwell's unique hero would make this a standout.
Stonehenge
So much about Stonehenge is a mystery, from who built it to its purpose. That offers Cornwell ample room to craft a tale set in 2000 BC. It examines a nation of tribes torn apart by war but bound by their faith in the gods, culminating in the building of a grand outdoor temple.
The book has everything needed for a multi-season show: Battles, steamy romances, political (and literal) backstabbing, intriguing characters, and themes of greed and faith colliding. It’s a great read, and the mystical elements add an extra layer that would be very interesting on a movie or miniseries.
Gallows Thief
We're all familiar with detective stories, but what about one set in a time period where detectives don't exist? In 1817 London, former soldier Rider Sandman is assigned to rubber stamp the execution of an accused murderer. Becoming convinced of the man’s innocence, Sandman begins to unravel a complex mystery.
The story can work for a movie or limited series showing Sandman trying to deal with a mystery in a time when such investigations weren’t done. He’s no Sherlock Holmes, yet he has an innate sense for unraveling clues and is able to hold his own against enemies. This could would make a great historical mystery series.
Agincourt
The Battle of Agincourt was immortalized by Shakespeare in Henry V. Cornwell shows the build-up to the conflict through the eyes of archer Nicholas Hood, who finds himself pulled into the conflict between England and France. The book delves into the realities of the battle Shakespeare ignored.
Hood is a fine hero whose archery skills are put to good use. The book moves at a brisk pace, exploring how tough the British had it before pulling out a victory. It would allow viewers to understand the Battle of Agincourt beyond the “St. Crispin’s Day” speech. This book would make for an exciting film.
Fools and Mortals
Speaking of Shakespeare, we all know William but not much about his little brother Richard. This novel has the younger Shakespeare joining William in London, where he's always forced to play a woman in his brother's plays. They have to put aside their sibling rivalry to face a rival theater troupe while prepping two of Shakespeare’s greatest works.
This is a story that would be perfect for the screen, either as a movie or limited series. It looks at the Elizabethan era from a different angle, exploring the politics and culture of the theater world. Seeing Shakespeare through the eyes of his younger brother would be funny and let audiences enjoy another look at the greatest playwright of all time.
The Last Kingdom is streaming on Netflix.
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