Bulletin Board

Mr Cornwell,

recently I just finished reading the Kindle version of the Warlord Chronicles. I have to say, re-reading this trilogy really brought tears to my eyes at points. Your characters are wonderful, the setting is wonderful. It really made me sad to have the trilogy end with the implied defeat of the Britains. I was even put in tears during Derfel's and Ceinwyn's moments (making me wish at times to have a love like that myself).

I just really wanted to applaud you on this trilogy, as it is my favorite of all your books. I also enjoy the Saxon Stories. But the Warlord Chronicles are what made me a fan of yours, and they hold a place as some of my favorite books ever written.

So once again, just wanted to applaud you for making such a captivating trilogy :)

Matt Dimock

Dear Bernard,
I'm happy to say that I possess copies of all the books you have published (including those written with your wife), and, of course a complete box-set of the Sharpe DVD's. Some I have re-read, all of them I have enjoyed immensely; and I always look forward to any new publications.
Imagine my surprise and joy when I was recently in Blackwells book shop in Bristol, and came across a signed copy of Death of Kings. Not only that, it was retailing at half price!! I quickly paid and almost ran out of the shop and down the street, before anyone could see - as I, obviously, thought this was a steal.
The book now occupies pride of place in my library.
Having given this some thought, here's my question:- If you hadn't signed the book, would it have retailed for a greater amount?  This is by way of a jokey comment and I thank you most sincerely for all your work, it has brought me many hours of pleasure.  I wish you continued success for the future.
Regards

Dave Birtwistle

Like you I am London born (Stratford), bombed out of Plaistow (twice) n raised in Walthamstow.  Also like you I am a voluntary exile tho' in NZ.  I have known the area of Essex you so eloquently write about since my youth (days out to Sahfend & environs on me bike)  Most of my large family of Uncles, Aunts n cousins have moved out to Essex n inhabit the areas you obviously know so well. Mum lived for some years on Canvey in her latter years,  & a cousin recently moved to Sth Ockenden (a swamp in Uhtred's day)
This is a very long lead up to saying your research into the history n geography is stunning.  I realise I'm not telling you anything you dont already know but anything to keep you going !!!!!!!   I also have read all of Sharpe's books n love 'em.  You have made me very homesick after 50 yrs in NZ.
Be lucky townie n keep up what must be a punishing regime of writing...

Tony F

Hi Bernard,

I just thought that I should let you know how much I am enjoying reading 1356 and the welcome return of Thomas of Hookton. It's one of those books that you want to go on and on and on. Thomas is a wonderful character, I haven't finished the book yet so do not know what becomes of him but I do hope that you will write another book about him.
Also can't wait for the next book in the Saxon series
Regards and many thanks for the pleasure that you writing gives us.
Bob Warburton

Mr. Cornwell,

I am actually a little lost as to what to say. Mainly because, I can honestly say, that your work is my favourite, as far as literature goes. You are my favourite author. I have read the majority of your books and have enjoyed them thoroughly...

See, I told you I didn't really know what to say. I think you kick ass in your writing. I love learning from each series as well as being enthralled by your use of fictional characters. I feel involved when I follow your stories, every heart ache, moments of despair and situations where I feel like killing the enemy myself. The elation I feel, the relief and joy, also, whenever your characters prevail and wreak that revenge, that is so justified through the character, gives me an immense satisfaction.

I'm currently reading through 1356 and am loving it. I am on my own quest to read everything you have published, and am very close to completing it.

I'm sure you get a shit load of messages from people and find it hard to answer everyone, so I'm not sure if you will even read this, but I hope you do and if so, I would be very happy to even know so.

Mr Cornwell, thank you for your literary geniuse, keep er lit.

Your fan

Decky Pill

Dear Bernard
I have been doing a lot of factual research/reading about the 20th of Foot and also The Royal Engineers recently, which then put me in mind of Sharpe.
As a Mum of two children, I have finally reached the point of reading grown up books again!  To my delight, my eight year old son is very happy watching the Sharpe Dvd's that I treated myself to, hey fantastic, a little break from the usual childrens films. He absolutely hates reading the normal kids books that we/school have tried to get him to read, so I'm now going to try some Sharpe with him. He can read, just finds most kids fiction books a bit boring. Oh dear he sounds like a real thug, but he really isn't!
Anyway I just wanted to thank you for such gripping, terrific stories, and I'm looking forward to hearing you on Radio 2.
Many thanks
Tracey (Maidstone, Kent)

Hi there Bernard,

What a lovely surprise there I was thinking when will Uhtred regain his land, when will there be a new book coming out?  and all of a sudden I clock 1356 and still better I  note the hero is Thomas of Hookton.  Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think there was another story there after reading the trilogy .
The saxon stories were excellent.  UYu read and you are suddenly in the shield wall. It's unbelieveable how your description of the battles takes me over and suddenly  I'm not lying in bed reading but I'm back decades in old England along with Alfred's right hand man .
Many many thanks for 1356 but I have one hell of a dilemma, I want it to last for ever, don't want to put it down ,try to read slowly savouring every word, but then I'm wanting to know what's coming next ,talk about catch 22.
Any way you have made my retirement a very happy event.  I browse old book shops ,market stalls looking for some of your early stuff that I can't lay hands on in any library or up to date book store.
Best wishes and lang may yer lum reek as we say here in Scotland.
Neil Maclean

Dear Bernard,

Bloody well done.

Kind regards,

Lee

Hi Bernard--

I have to the best of my knowledge purchased and read every book you have written and have the Sharpe series on DVD. I am currently reading 1356  Thomas of Hookton --What now ??--is there a happy ending for Uhtred  now that Alfred has gone ?--does Nate Starbuck survive his wound and  survive the South's defeat ?--Seriously, I can't tell you how much pleasure you have given me through reading your books--It has taken me back to my youth when reading historical novels and fiction was the norm instead of Television ads and internet spam--Please don't leave my heroes gathering dust in a back room of my memory--

A very grateful fan

Gary Phillips

My maternal family surname is Washburn (Washborne/Washborn) from the Gleawecestre area where the family history begins 1066. I found your Grail Quest series while on vacation and have equally enjoyed the Saxon Tales and Warlord Chronicles. My children, nieces and nephews have picked up your historical novels and I'm looking forward to discussing your work with my two grandsons. You have provided great enjoyment while blending the lost art of reading with your historical interpretations. Please continue to provide us with exceptional entertainment.

John Ulrich