Ah, Bernard..
I am sad. I just finished the last of the Saxon stories to date (about to dive into 1356, about 10 seconds after I send this)... I wanted you to know how much I love that Saxon series and it will be hard to wait until the next is published - I want another episode of Uhtred's life, please. Oh and I love the word "earsling", , I have adopted it! So thank you, Bernard, I am a total bookaholic and a baby writer (couple of small things published, and writing when I am not reading...). I have thousands of books (I could convert my house to a public library...) but very few "favourite authors" - and you are one of the very few. Thank you, keep writing, keep me and the others like me happy and entertained..
Love and regards
from Andie
Bulletin Board
I love all your books and was thrilled to read you had included the famous Jean de Grailly (4th of the 26 founder Knights of the Garter) in your latest book '1356'
A direct descendant of Jean de Grailly is the Marquis de Grailly who lives at the Chateau de Panloy close to the tiny village of Port d'Envaux on the banks of the River Charente. The family tree has them coming over to England with William the Conqueror.
A direct ancestor of mine was David Espinet (born early 1650s), a surgeon, whose house abutted the estate wall of the Chateau Panloy.
About 1685 the Baroness (title may be incorrect) was god-mother to the future wife of surgeon Aaron Espinet (son of David) and she later saved the family property being gambled away by Aaron.
Another ancestor of mine, David Espinet junior (born about 1678), son of David the surgeon, was a Huguenot who settled in Rye, Sussex as a peruke/wig maker and married Anne Marie Dansays.
Francis Dansays (1682-1754) brother of Anne Marie, joined the Royal Navy.
On New Years Day 1726 (the Great Storm) he commanded the tiny sloop OTTER, part of the very large escort conveying King George I from the continent to England. He was the only one able to keep in contact with the Royal Yacht Carolina and under the watchful eye of the king it procurred his promotion. He never looked back, commanded the famous CENTURION previous to Anson, the Royal Yachts KATHERINE and FUBBS, rising to become Lt. Governor of the Royal Hospital at Greenwich until his death in 1754.
Norman A Bishop
Sheffield, England
Thank you!
Hi Bernard,
I just wanted to write you a quick letter to tell you what a huge fan that I am of your books.I have always tried to pick up a book and read but could never seem to stay interested in any of the stories. I was at costco one day with my wife and we were on our way out when she said she had forgotten something and so i waited by the book section for her. I just by chance looked down and saw this book on the table with what appeared to be knights armour. I looked at the title and it was Agincourt. I picked it up and read the back. It sounded interesting, but thought would I really read a book this big. It wasn't too much so I said ok I will get it. I have been hooked on your books ever since. I always check your website for new books coming out. I see the new 1356 is coming and I can't wait. I've live in the US and it doesn't come out until Jan 8. I was thinking of buying the European version since its already out. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for being such a great writer. You definitely know how to capture a reader's attention. Anyway can talk you into coming to California to do a book signing? I would love to meet you. Good luck and God bless you and your family.
Gary
Thank you! I have been to California, but not for awhile. Who knows? Maybe I'll be back one of these days....
Dear Bernard
Just reading in the press here that 1356 has been nominated for the fiction book of the year at the National Book Awards. Your book is up against Fifty Shades of Gray and Citadel
Lets hope you win.
Steven Shaw
Let’s hope the best book wins! But thank you!
Hi again, Mr. Cornwell.
With regard to Lawrence Shipp's comment on November 9th, please DO NOT have Starbuck die at Gettysburg! Take him all the way to Appomatox and beyond! I'm as eager as any of your other fans to resume his chronicles, but I'm willing to wait a bit longer.
Alan Kempner
I like your books. There, done.
If there are plans for film adaptions of the books involving the young Sharpe, and if you have influence in the casting decisions, please consider actor Norman Reedus for the role.
Your devoted reader,
Jiraiya Addams
Well, I have no say in casting the films, but thanks for the suggestion!
Bernard,
I would really like to thank you. Thank you for the beautiful stories you wrote for the Saxon Series. Thank you for making me interested in reading again. Thank you for helping me get to know the story of the UK, and also for getting me interested in nord history. Thank you for making me smile, and sad with Uhtred's adventures ..... Thank you for just existing... Really.
One of your best fans,
Sebastian Pronin
--
As we know that Uhtred was born in 857 and Alfred died in 899, making the former a sprightly 42 y.o., I feel that our hero (or anti-hero) has a lot more to account for to regain his rightful inheritance. The Danish Kings of York are the virtual rulers of the North and Bebbanberg's decendants who rule Northumbria are clients to them.
Eadwolf, Earl of Bernica (Northumberland & Durham) dies in 913, leaving Uhtred a clear -cut chance to regain his glory, by helping to rid the North of the attacks of the Irish-Vikings under Ragnald. It is only when Uhtred would be 63 (in 920) that Ragnald would recognize the supemecy of Edward the Elder,
I, as well as a multitude of avid readers of your books, wait on tenterhooks for the next book in this series which I hope will be forthcoming, and although the events above are historically correct, I realize that as an author, you may have to juggle the facts a little to achieve the formula of an "un-put-a-down-able" novel, so please keep up the good work for as long as you can, to satiate the thirst for your literally skillsBob Ferry
I am working on the next part of Uhtred's tale now!
I hope this does get to you friend, my name is Sy, and I am from Huntingdon, near Cambridge and have been an avid reader of fiction since my mum gave me a copy of King's 'Carrie' for my 8th birthday. I think the first Sharpe book I read was in about '93 or '94, when I was around 11 years old. Now, some 20 years later, I have read every novel you have written, and more importantly, I hope, I have introduced at least two score of people to your books, probably many more. I am a very proud Englishman, and never more so when discussing the foundations of this country and the adversity faced by the great men (and women) who fought against many of the biggest, richest and most powerful armies through history. When one reads your work, especially the books pertaining to blighty, your own passion shines through and it is infectious. I have just finished 1356, and whilst it felt as though you could have wrung at least 3 books from the subject matter, it was satisfying to read of Thomas once
more, as he was alluded to in 'Azincourt' and, I suspect as was intended, the reference piqued my interest. I delight in your little knowing references to other work and have read many authors' attempts at the same, but yours, Sir, give the reader a feeling of not only empathy, but companionship. It is as though I know your characters, and in that knowing, I can feel for the story, rather than just reiterate it. I guess I just wanted to say thankyou, for the gift you have given to people. I speak to a group of friends regularly on Saturday morning in my local pub, and two of them have just begun reading your work - one with the Sharpe novels chronologically, the other with the Arthur novels - and the pleasure the rest of us have discussing what for them is a new experience is fantastic. I hope the image of a table of young blokes full of empty pint pots, with space amongst them reverentially made for a couple of Bernard Cornwell books is pleasantly English (eccentrie) enough to make
you smile. Thanks mate.Sy.
A big smile - thanks!
I hope this does get to you friend, my name is Sy, and I am from Huntingdon, near Cambridge and have been an avid reader of fiction since my mum gave me a copy of King's 'Carrie' for my 8th birthday. I think the first Sharpe book I read was in about '93 or '94, when I was around 11 years old. Now, some 20 years later, I have read every novel you have written, and more importantly, I hope, I have introduced at least two score of people to your books, probably many more. I am a very proud Englishman, and never more so when discussing the foundations of this country and the adversity faced by the great men (and women) who fought against many of the biggest, richest and most powerful armies through history. When one reads your work, especially the books pertaining to blighty, your own passion shines through and it is infectious. I have just finished 1356, and whilst it felt as though you could have wrung at least 3 books from the subject matter, it was satisfying to read of Thomas once
more, as he was alluded to in 'Azincourt' and, I suspect as was intended, the reference piqued my interest. I delight in your little knowing references to other work and have read many authors' attempts at the same, but yours, Sir, give the reader a feeling of not only empathy, but companionship. It is as though I know your characters, and in that knowing, I can feel for the story, rather than just reiterate it. I guess I just wanted to say thankyou, for the gift you have given to people. I speak to a group of friends regularly on Saturday morning in my local pub, and two of them have just begun reading your work - one with the Sharpe novels chronologically, the other with the Arthur novels - and the pleasure the rest of us have discussing what for them is a new experience is fantastic. I hope the image of a table of young blokes full of empty pint pots, with space amongst them reverentially made for a couple of Bernard Cornwell books is pleasantly English (eccentrie) enough to make
you smile. Thanks mate.Sy.
A big smile - thanks!