Bulletin Board

I love your Grail quest series, I hope this is/will be a long running series. I can't get enough of the adventures of Thomas of Hookton. Love you man, happy new year. Barry W. Harshfield Jr.

Just read Gallows Thief which I thought excellent. But then I have read all of your books. Well done. I was interested in your comments about the number of folks who were hung in the late 18th and early 19th century. A direct ancestor of mine and his father were both hung drawn and quartered for opposition to the Hanovians ie during the Old Pretender ( James 3rd ) and Bonnie Prince Charlie ( Charles 3rd) rebellions. Both were called Thomas Syddall and executed, of course, 30 odd years apart. The latter Thomas Syddall along with James Dawson, Francis Townley and George Fletcher were hung drawn and quatered on July 30th 1746 at Kennington and their bodies, except for the heads, interned in Nelson's Burying Grounds which is now St George's Gardens. Such was the public outcry over this form of execution that this was one of the last carried out. I suppose the whole event proved that the Duke of Cumberland had more men even if his father had a lesser right to the throne. Keep up your standards. All the best for 2004, Derreck Siddell

Sir, I am delighted to see that you have continued to write the Sharpe series. I started reading your books in the deserts of Saudi Arabia back in 91' and have continued to read, and to my wife's dismay (since I spend more time with Sharpe than her), reread them time and time again. I sincerely ask that you do not stop with this series. I was truly troubled when I read Sharpe's Devil and found his adventure over but was pleased to see you go back and fill in the gaps. Please keep up the good work. You are truely as talented a writer as Sharpe was a soldier. Thanks, yours truly SSG Stewart 2bn 75th Inf RANGERS

I read a comment posted on 1/7/04 by Gregg Singer that said he was having trouble finding a hardcover edition of Tiger. I got mine from my local Barnes & Noble. I couldn't find it on the shelf, so went to the order desk, told them what I wanted, and it was there in less than a week. To be honest, I've no idea if it's a US or UK version, but maybe that would work for Mr. Singer, too. Tom Stewart

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'd just like to say thank you. Ever since I received a box set of eight of the Sharpe books for my birthday last year I have read them all, apart from Sharpe's Havoc which I've had trouble obtaining. I have enjoyed the books immensely, and am paticuarly looking forward to Sharpe's Escape. I can help with a question that was asked by Mark, on the 6th January concerning a website with lyrics to songs of the period. One site that I have found interesting on this subject is http://www.contemplator.com/ it had lyrics and midi files for a large seclection of songs from that period. I hope you and your family have a great year, and I am looking forward to meeting you on your next book tour here in Britain. Benjamin Clist

Dear Sir, it is very refreshing to see an author having a forum such as this in order to communicate with his fans. I am sure you do not need to do this as your books will sell just as rapidly. Myself and (I am sure the rest of your fans) do appreciate your time. thankyou. Looking forward to the Sharpe Convention and hope to see you there and meet other fans. I believe that your favourite creation has been the Warlord Chronicles I wholeheartedly agree and would love to see a trilogy filmed, directed by Peter Jackson. Any ideas for who would play Derfel? Chris Pollack

Bernard - glad to have found your website. I have just finished reading Winter King for the second time and am enjoying it even more the second time around. I believe that you are the best and most convincing teller of battle narrative currently writing. I studied Early medieval History at university and have been fascinated by Arthur and post- Roman Britain since childhood. I think your Arthur series is the closest to what may have actually happened that I have read, and they are also extremely interesting, exciting and thought-provoking books. Thank you for your hard work and creativity. You comment in your FAQ section that you would like to write more Arthur-like material - as I'm sure you are aware the 'Dark Ages' (I personally dislike the term) are full of superb sources for your stories. Please contact me if you would like to discuss working together on some ideas - I would be honoured. In any case, the best of luck with all your projects and many thanks for the excellent novels (I have also recently enjoyed the conclusion of the Grail Quest series) so far. Andrew

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I finished the Sharpe series and it's as if I had to say goodbye to good friends. The series is really amazing. I'm about to start your Author books next but I wanted to respectfully request that you include "Sweet" William to your next Sharpe book if it's not already too late. With best regards, Mike Weksler

Mr. Cornwell, I have been a fan of your work since 1982. My first book was Sharpe's Eagle. Your work inspired me as a history teacher and continues to impress me as I continue learning more history. The love of history has lead me to the hobby of painting military miniatures. I don't know if you are aware of a few miniatures available on your Richard Sharpe character. It is amazing how your work has had an effect on many people regardless of their profession. Your Sharpe titles are by far my favorites. The title Sharpe's Enemy is my favorite in the Sharpe series. I continue to enjoy Sharpe with each new title. I anxiously await the upcoming Sharpe's Escape release. I have re-read all the Sharpe titles time and again. I also have read Redcoat. It was an excellent book and one that I had hoped would lead to other stories on the Revolutionary War. The Starbuck Chronicles are also much liked as the American War Between the States is my favorite period of history. I do hope you continue them. Recently, I read the Quest of the Grail. The books really increased my interest in the period of the Hundred Years War. I must admit you really are an artist in painting the picture as well as telling a darn good story. I was disappointed to learn that the series would cover 3 books as I really got hooked on the character, Thomas of Hookton. I am planning to try the Arthurian Legend series and Stonehenge next. Each character comes to life in your work regardless of the historical era. All in all, I praise your work as it is both enjoyable reading and satisfies my continuing interest of history. I can only add that I look forward with great anticipation to more titles from your hand. Whether it is the Starbuck Chronicles, a Richard Sharpe title, or a new series& your work continues to hold my interest and entertain and educate me. Each title immerses me in history, allows me to both gain knowledge of a particular era, period and takes me on a pleasant journey through the pages of time. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next release... Terry Martin

Dear Bernard Cornwell: I know you've heard this a lot, but when is the fifth Starbuck coming out? If you're too busy to write one just find time to write one last one and have him die. All the books are very good and have excellent Civil War humor in them. Every so often I check the book stores to see if a new one is there, but I always see a new Sharpe book or the Heretic. I've tried to read the Sharpe series, but it is so bland and uninteresting. The Arthur series, however, are very good, but please don't write another and focus on Starbuck. Your next book, if you base it chronologically would be based at Fredericksburg, and then Chancellorsville, and then Gettysburg. That could be very interesting if you would continue. Thanks Mike Sekerak

I just read Heretic and loved it. And I can't wait for the next Sharpe novel. Is there going to be any more Starbuck novels? I was informed that one of my distant relatives was in the Union Army at some of the same battles Starbuck was. Allen Linville