Bulletin Board

Aye, I admit I'm not a reader so to speak, but I was given your book 'Harlequin' from 'The Grail Quest' a couple of days ago, and up to now I've read half way through and not been able to put it down. Usually, and I hate to admit, my mind wanders while I read, and I end up loosing the place as well as interest. However it's not happened at all not even for a second, hell I've even cracked a smile at the comical situations and blunt use of language which I prefer because that is how I would speak. It seems more down to earth. The characters, the places, the descriptions, everything in it keeps me in interest and I know it's in a historical content which again was great for me as I'm keen on learning as much as I can on medieval history as is my sister who also has a copy (We fought over it so I had to get my own, typical eh?) It made me proud that I have actually started to enjoy reading, all I needed to do was find the right book and author: and I have. This might seem a ramble on about silly things or a premature thank you but I just wanted to let you know that your work is appreciated by readers even as hopeless as I. My Thanks Adéle, age 19 of Glasgow.

I'm 61 and have never written a fan letter in my life, but I want to tell you how much joy your work has given me. I own and have read all of Sharpe, Starbuck, and the Archer as well as Stonehenge, Gallow's Thief, and Redcoat. I'm now rereading the Sharpe books alternating them with O'Brian's Captain Aubry series. So, I thank you for the many hours of pleasure your hard work has given me. Dan Thomas

Mr. Cornwell, first, I would like to thank you for explaining the naming difference between " The Archer's Tale" and "Harlequin". it certainly helped explain why I was confused looking for the sequels and what their names were! I first found "Archer's Tale" at my local library and decided to give it a try. I was looking for new authors to read and I'm glad I did! I am presently reading the Sharpe series as well as The Grail Quest series. You are to be congratulated, these are some of the finest adventures I have read. For someone unfamiliar with these time periods, I find you explain settings, weaponry, tactics, and polictical situations admirably to your readers. I also wanted to say thanks for the website. It's easy to navigate and the book listings are extensive and informative for new readers like myself. I look forward to many years of reading and collecting your books. Steven Barnes

Dear Mr Cornwell, I first stumbled on the Sharpe novels a few years ago (any book with Sean Bean on the cover was bound to catch my attention) and have been a great fan ever since. Having run out of Sharpe novels, I've recently read your Warlord series which I loved. I don't agree with your comments about rewriting the first third of the Winter King- for me, you made Arthur's world come to life. Likewise your wonderful Grail trilogy - I'm thrilled to read you're doing a new Thomas of Hookton novel as he's a great character too. I also think you create great villains - my favourites would have to be Guy Vexille (a compelling portrait of a fanatic) and the inimitable Hakeswill. I know you killed him off but is there any chance he might make another appearance - he's much too good to waste. Thanks for all your wonderful work and may you write many more novels, regards Isabel Robinson

Dear Mr. Cornwell - I have just read your FAQ and would like you to know that I have read all of your series, and agree strongly with you that the beat was the Arthur series. While I enjoy the others, the Arthur trilogy was just magical - no pun intended. Thank you. Donald McCall

Just finished reading Sharpe's Havoc. I throughly enjoyed the book. What a page turner. Looking forward to finding more of the collection to read. Sir, you keep me up reading and I went to bed late. Thank you. John Armstrong

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