Bulletin Board

Hello Mr. Cornwell,

I just wanted to drop you a line or two to let you know how much I enjoyed both your Saxon Tales and the Arthur Books. To be honest, I had not heard of you or your work, I suppose because I generally read older stuff, that is, a lot of pulp fiction, as well as some historical fiction. But, on reading an excerpt from the first Saxon book, I was hooked! I read the ten books of the series and loved them all. Then, I read the Arthur books---I've always loved stories about "King" Arthur, the more historically accurate the better, and about those times in general. Your books fulfilled my every hope and expectation for a definitive look at Arthur and his fellow Britons, Saxons and Gaels of the 5th and 6th centuries. And, you sure had me fooled about Derfel's hand! What a terrific trilogy! I look forward to reading more and more of your work. Thank you!

Yours Truly,

Clayton Hinkle,

Just finished the Flame Bearer.  I can't say it is the best book you have ever written because I have read every one of your books and I feel that way every time I finish one.

As always, I was pleasantly suprised to read in your Historical notes that another book will be forthcoming.  Please keep writing, I read all the time and I pleasantly tell my friends about your writing skill.

If you only sold one book in your lifetime, I would have been the buyer.

 

Regards to you and your family

Bob Benkoski

I am a 52 year old special education teacher and I have four children and six grandchildren.  Not your target audience!!  I had to write you to tell you how much I truly enjoy reading your books.  I love historical fiction which is how I came to read the first book of the Saxon series.  I was hooked after that.  I then read most of your books (except the Sharpe series) and loved them all.  I have continued to read all the Saxon tales and I am getting ready to start book 10.  I watched the Last Kingdom show and thought it was spectacular!  I saw an advertisement for Father's Day last year and your books were recommended as a good gift.  I had to laugh.  I'll keep reading as long as you keep writing.  Thank you so much for the hours of enjoyment I have spent!!

Christine Simmering

Dear Bernard,

 

I just wanted to say how much of a massive fan of your books my dad and I are. We especially love your Arthurian series, and your Saxon stories. Derfel and Uhtred are some of the best characters ever written in my opinion.

 

My dad, I'm very proud to say, John Gwynne, is also an author, although that seems very strange still, and even stranger to him. He writes in the fantasy genre but also draws upon ancient history, but with giant wolves and a made up celtic/norse/roman-esque Europe.

 

SFX (the worlds leading Sci-fi and fantasy magazine) have asked my dad to review any book of his choice that has been an influence to him, and he has chosen The Winter King. Although it's not strictly fantasy, Arthur is a character of myth and legend and that is good enough for him. I thought you might be interested in reading his review, and perhaps be interested in his series 'The Faithful and the Fallen'. I may be biased but I really love them and I'm sure if you had the time you'd definitely enjoy them! The series is now finished and he is writing the second series. His first book Malice won the the David Gemmell Morningstar book award. Sorry I get a little excited as I'm so very proud of him as we all are. My brother and I have been known, on many occasions, to dress up and re-enact some scenes.

 

We are massively enjoying the Last Kingdom series on BBC 2, we hope you're enjoying it as well!

 

If you ever do read this as I'm sure you have so many emails, it would be just fabulous and in advance I'd like to thank you for your time.

 

Kindest regards

 

Edward Gwynne

Dear Sir,

I have just read the article in the Daily Express where you describe your six best books  - http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/books/783007/Bernard-Cornwell-Sharpe-novels-author-books.  . The last on, " The Dark Of The Moon " by John Sandford surprised me, as not many people in the UK know who John Sandford is. I have been a fan of his for many years and I can fully recommend his other series known as " The Prey Series ". The main character is a police officer known as Lucas Davenport. His first book of this series is called " The Rules Of Prey ". I hope you will enjoy, and if so follow Lucas throughout his career. John Sandford is a brilliant writer.

John Price

I just finished Gallows Thief, and to be honest, I sincerely wish you would do a series about Captain Sandman. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I'm somewhat familiar with the time in which your set the book. The research was impeccable, which led to several nights worth of reading to 2 a.m. Please consider doing some additional books along this line.

Bruce Sims

Dear Mr Cornwell

I have just read Sharpe for the first time, and chose Sharpe's Company. in connection with finding out more about my great great great grandfather Major General Sir John Rolt, see http://www.queensroyalsurreys.org.uk/colonels/025.html, who took part in the sieges of both Cuidad Rodrigo and Badajoz (by then he was serving with the Portuguese army).

I wonder if you  ever found his book "On Moral Command" first published 1836 but the third/fourth editions are more fun as he adds appendices promoting his various inventions (unintentionally hilarious).  His views on training, the treatment of men by officers, and the drink problem are heartfelt.  He mentions many friends, colleagues and heroes (he worshipped Wellington of course), and includes some good anecdotes of his experiences.  It's available on line.

He was born in Ireland (we have not been able to work out who his father was but he managed to marry a wealthy English heiress cousin....it's tantalising that there are no personal clues in his book!).

I realise you have moved on to many other interesting eras since the Sharpe books but you may be amused to revisit, if you have not seen this book.

With best wishes and thanks for your wonderful work of bringing history alive for so many.

Janet Hales

Thank you from Vancouver, Canada!

Your books are awesome! I just picked up the ninth book in the Saxon/Viking series – I'm already on chapter 2. So hard to put it down...but dinner had to be made! :) Your books resonate across all generations – as you are probably aware – in fact, your books are part of the bond that I have with my nephew. He too keeps up with this amazing series.

 

cheers,

Graham

Dear Bernard,

 

After getting as far as Flame Bearer Im thinking what next. I know and love your Anglo Saxon novels and ancient stories.  I live in Devon and the Winter King and Stonehenge have always been a draw. You never disappoint and all your books are always great. The last kingdom series is by far my favourite and  a really enjoyable read. I wanted to thank you for all the books that have kept me hooked for years.

 

Kind regards

 

Marianne

I have read 8 books of the Saxon Chronicles in 5 weeks; often reading until 1/2am .... a bit disturbing for an Evengelical Pastor (I know we are not your favourites!)

 

I have just got to the gelded Father Judas and sat open mouthed that this was Brida.

When a book makes you sit, open-mouthed and you quietly mouth the word "Brida!" over and over agian - then you know you are enthralled.

 

I assume that as Leohstan's wife is Gomer then the Mus is the Bishop's wife. I don't know yet but I am supposing you know your Bible.

 

I am just thrilled by the books and I will read everyone you have written because I love a great story line and I love history. People told me years ago to read your material.I wish I had listened!

 

I just want to say; on behalf of someone so needing at times to switch off. A deep, heart felt thank you! Your gift is incredible and gives me great joy.

 

Worth saying  - you have given millions joy - that must be pretty cool.

 

So thanks - enjoy your day!

 

Andy