Bernard Cornwell is an acclaimed English author, best known for his compelling historical novels. Born on 23 February 1944, he has captivated readers with his vivid portrayals of historical events, notably through his renowned series about Napoleonic Wars rifleman Richard Sharpe. His works primarily explore English history and include series such as The Saxon Stories, which details the unification of England. His novels often feature an end note discussing how the storyline aligns or diverges from historical facts, as well as insights into modern sites of historical events.

Beyond fiction, Cornwell has also penned a nonfiction book on the Battle of Waterloo, complementing his fictional accounts in the Sharpe series. Notably, three of his historical novel series have been adapted into television series: The Sharpe Series by ITV, The Last Kingdom by BBC/Netflix, and The Winter King for MGM+.

Originally working for the BBC, Cornwell relocated to the United States, driven by personal circumstances and an economic necessity to write, as his visa status only permitted intellectual work. He has successfully established himself as a prolific writer, residing in the US with his wife Judy, alternating between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Charleston, South Carolina.