# Bernard Cornwell

> British writer

**Wikidata**: [Q446605](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q446605)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Cornwell)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bernard-cornwell

## Summary
Bernard Cornwell is a British writer, novelist, and journalist renowned for his extensive contributions to the historical novel genre. He is best known as the creator of the fictional character Richard Sharpe, a series that has achieved significant global recognition. Born in 1944, Cornwell has been active in the literary field since 1983 and holds the distinction of being an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 23, 1944
- **Nationality**: United Kingdom (British)
- **Education**: Attended University College London and other institutions (specific degrees not detailed in source)
- **Known for**: Creating the fictional character Richard Sharpe and writing historical novels
- **Employer(s)**: Affiliated with University College London (public research university in London, England)
- **Field(s)**: Historical fiction, journalism, novel writing

## Contributions
Bernard Cornwell's primary contribution to literature is the creation and development of the character Richard Sharpe, a fictional soldier featured in a long-running series of historical novels. His work falls squarely within the historical novel genre, bringing detailed narratives of past conflicts to a wide audience. Since beginning his work period in 1983, he has produced a body of work that includes the notable work identified by the reference Q1272578. His writing has been recognized with the award of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), acknowledging his service to literature.

## FAQs
**What is Bernard Cornwell's most famous creation?**
Cornwell is best known for creating Richard Sharpe, a fictional character who serves as the protagonist in a popular series of historical novels. This character has become a significant figure in the genre, with the series spanning multiple books and adaptations.

**What awards has Bernard Cornwell received for his writing?**
He has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a prestigious honor recognizing his contributions to literature and the arts. This award highlights his status as a distinguished figure within the United Kingdom's cultural landscape.

**Where did Bernard Cornwell receive his education?**
Cornwell was educated at University College London, a public research university located in London, England. His academic background at this institution contributed to his development as a writer and journalist.

**What genres does Bernard Cornwell write in?**
His primary field of work is the historical novel, where he crafts narratives set in the past. He also works as a journalist and general novelist, utilizing written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works.

## Why They Matter
Bernard Cornwell's work has significantly shaped the landscape of historical fiction, offering readers immersive and detailed accounts of historical events through the lens of his character Richard Sharpe. His ability to blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling has influenced the genre and set a standard for narrative depth in historical novels. Without his contributions, the popularization of specific historical periods through the Sharpe series would likely be less prominent, and the genre would lack one of its most recognizable voices. His recognition with an OBE underscores his impact on British culture and literature, cementing his legacy as a key figure in modern storytelling.

## Notable For
- **Creation of Richard Sharpe**: The author of the famous fictional soldier character who stars in a major historical series.
- **Officer of the Order of the British Empire**: Recipient of this high-ranking award for services to literature.
- **Historical Novelist**: A leading figure in the historical novel genre with a career spanning decades.
- **Long-standing Career**: Active in the literary field since 1983, producing a consistent stream of work.
- **Journalist**: Recognized for his work in collecting, writing, and distributing news and information.
- **British Author**: A prominent writer representing the United Kingdom on the global stage.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Bernard Cornwell was born on February 23, 1944. He is a citizen of the United Kingdom, an island country in north-west Europe. His educational background includes attendance at University College London, a public research university situated in London, England. This institution, founded in 1826, is known for its research output and has a significant number of employees. Cornwell's time at this university contributed to his formation as a writer and intellectual.

### Career and Professional Identity
Cornwell's professional life is defined by his roles as a writer, novelist, and journalist. He began his work period in 1983 and has maintained a continuous presence in the literary world since then. As a writer, he uses written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works. His specific focus as a novelist involves the creation of fiction, particularly within the historical novel genre. Additionally, his background as a journalist involves the collection, writing, and distribution of news and other information. He is an instance of a human and a British national, with his work period starting in 1983.

### Major Works and Characters
The most significant creation attributed to Bernard Cornwell is the fictional character Richard Sharpe. This character is a central figure in Cornwell's literary output and is associated with the occupation of a soldier. The character's citizenship is linked to the United Kingdom and other related entities. Cornwell's work in developing Richard Sharpe has resulted in a notable work that is widely recognized. The character and the associated novels have become a defining element of Cornwell's career, establishing him as a master of the historical novel.

### Recognition and Awards
Cornwell's contributions to literature have been formally recognized by the United Kingdom. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, a rank within the Order of the British Empire. This award is a testament to his impact on the cultural and literary life of the country. The honor reflects the high regard in which his work is held by his peers and the public.

### Affiliations and Connections
Throughout his career, Cornwell has been affiliated with University College London. This public research university in London, England, serves as a key connection in his professional biography. The university, which has a large workforce, is a significant institution in the United Kingdom's educational landscape. Cornwell's association with this institution highlights his academic roots and his connection to the intellectual community of London.

### Technical and Bibliographic Data
Bernard Cornwell is identified by numerous technical identifiers and codes used in library and database systems. His ISNI includes 0000000121403261 and 0000000368644630. His VIAF ID is 76456606, and his GND identifier is 124675263. He is cataloged under the Library of Congress Control Number n80166076 and the BNF ID 131883721. His IMDb ID is nm0180486, and his Wikidata ID is Q1272578. He has a presence on various platforms, including Twitter under the handle BernardCornwell. His website is located at http://www.bernardcornwell.net/. He is also associated with the Open Library ID OL25793A and the National Library of Australia ID 36107842. These identifiers facilitate the tracking and cataloging of his extensive body of work across global databases.

### Field of Work and Genre
Cornwell's primary field of work is the historical novel. This literary genre involves the creation of stories set in the past, often blending factual events with fictional narratives. His work as a novelist and writer focuses on producing literary works that engage with history. The genre of historical novels allows him to explore past eras through the eyes of characters like Richard Sharpe. His contributions to this field have been substantial, influencing readers and writers alike.

### Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Bernard Cornwell is marked by his enduring popularity and the critical acclaim he has received. His creation of Richard Sharpe has left a lasting mark on the historical fiction genre. The character and the series continue to be read and discussed, ensuring Cornwell's place in literary history. His work has influenced the way historical events are portrayed in fiction, providing a model for other authors. The recognition he has received, including the OBE, underscores his significance as a British writer. His career, spanning from 1983 to the present, demonstrates a sustained commitment to his craft and a significant impact on the world of literature.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. CiNii Research
7. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
8. NooSFere
9. Discogs
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Open Library
12. BBC Things
13. Goodreads
14. The Movie Database
15. LIBRIS. 2015
16. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
17. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands