Bulletin Board

Dear Mr Cornwell,

I am writing to thank you for rekindling a love of reading fiction for pleasure which was ripped out of me whilst studying for my GCSE's some 15 years ago.

As a 15 year old student I found that the dissection of a book paragraph by painstaking paragraph an absolute bore, the victim in my case (and sadly it is still being flogged to death by English language teachers across England) was John Steinbeck's "Of Mice And Men" A story which I adored as a youth, but can no longer bare to read as it isn't a story to me any more but simply a series of over scrutinised characters and plotlines which whether intentionally thought out by the author or (as i suspect in some cases) not are now so ingrained into my mind that reading the book has become a chore. Thats not to say I don't appreciate the book, it's just been ruined for me. The only consolation being that I achieved a B grade in the subject, anyway, I digress,

I have been a fan of the Sharpe TV series for many years and frequently re-watch them on DVD. But it was by chance that whilst covering a collegue's lesson (some dismal affair involving Powerpoint Presentations) in the school library that I came across a quite old paperback copy of "Sharpe's Rifles" As this is roughly where the TV series begins i thought it'd be worth a look to see how accurate the TV series was to the book. I can confirm that it is loosely based on the book (as i'm sure you know) But that is of no real consequence because after reading it, I was hooked and decided to hunt down and read the rest of the books in chronological order from "Rifles". Six months and a Kindle app later I have just this evening finished reading "Sharpe's Devil" and thought it an appropriate time to thank you for making works of fiction a pleasure again.

I have still to read "Tiger" "Triumph" "Fortress" "Trafalgar" and "Prey" which I am sure will be just as fascinating, enjoyable, colourful and historically accurate as the others.

Once again a massive thank you for re igniting my imagination and helping to exorcise the demons of a rubbish education system (which sadly I am now a part of) Let us both pray that your publishers never see fit to make any or your books a set script for students. Not that they aren't up to the job, they're more than good enough and i'm sure the financial rewards would be excellent ;-) But I would hate for you to be the focus of the massed hatred of 15 year olds around the country as Steinbeck sadly is at present.

Thanks again for letting me enjoy reading again,

Forever in your debt,

Pete Farnsworth (Design and Technology Teacher)

Hi Bernard
Just finished Death of Kings, loved it, much inspiration for many a story around a campfire with my Cubs, your stories live on, fueling much imaginaition for young minds. I know you will find this equally rewarding - keep it up.
John

Dear Bernard,
I just wanted to let you know that I have completed the Sharpe novels and to thank you so very much for writing them. Since childhood I have loved books by authors such as Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Robert Welch and so your books were a most  glorious  treat for me. I think my husband may be happy he will no longer be treated to interesting titbits such as how long it took to load a musket and the supremacy of rifles but I am bereft.
Once more I offer a huge thankyou and please don't worry about replying I am sure you have better things to do!
Ayesha

Dear Mr. Cornwell
I have never been a reader of fiction until finding your books through Amazon.  Your books have  changed my whole perspective on fiction. I now that what you create is not fiction but historical reference to real events and places with charcters and plots you have developed in great detail. As I graduate of the U of Wisconsin with a major in History(European) you have returned me to my passion for history.
You abilty to write with such detail on so many time peroids, character personalities, intrigue and vivid descriptions keeps me reading with a desire to find out how you will end each book. Then I am on to the next book in the series.
I have completed reading in the last 2 months-All 21 Richard Sharpe Novels, all 6 of the Saxon Tales, all 3 of the Grail Quest series, Agincourt, Gallows Thief , Stormchild and Scoundrel.
I begin The Fort , Rebel and Copperhead this weekend and next week. This leaves me with Battle Flag, The Bloody Ground, the 3 Warlord Series, Stonghedge, A Crowning Mercy, The Fallen Angels, Redcoat, Wildtrack and Crackdown.
So a long story short from a Bernard Cornwell fan who will have read all 48 soon.

Ed Sawa

Sir,

I've read all your Sharpe's series at least twice & I'm completing my third time through Starbuck. I've written to you some years ago about the continuation of the Starbuck series & have checked your site from time to time & seen your answer of someday getting back to him. I read the first one almost 20 years ago. To be frank Mr. Cornwell, I'm approching 65 & am wondering if I'll live long enough to read the completed series. Just thought since its the 150th aniversary of our civil war you might be thinking of picking up his adventures sometime soon. Don't want to sound ungrateful because I've enjoyed both series emencely & have all the Sharpe's on DVD & watch them from time to time. I thank you sir, your books have given me much pleasure.  Stay well & keep writting.

Respectfully,

John Olivo

Mr. Cornwell,
(that sounds strange lol) I have enjoyed reading your books over the years. As I prepare to retire, after 30+ years as a fireman, my love for history and enjoyment from reading your books has inspired me to want to write. I just wanted to thank you for your entertaining reads over the years.
Best Wishes,
Arland Cornwell

I must thank you for all the JOY you have given me in your writings of Thomas of Hookton and Uhtred in the saxon's.
Though as a relaxing drink, "Jamesons"  is fine but an "ISLAY" realy gets the story going.
Thanks again and am looking forward to 1356!
Charles Stewart

Dear Bernard,
Can't tell you how much I love the Saxon series. I'm a historian by training with Scots and Saxon ancestors. I have learned so much from your work. Also enjoyed your take on the Arthurian legend. Don't need an answer, just keep working on your next Uhtred. Great reading at sea or ashore.

Wyrd bio ful araed.

Kind Regards,
G. Graves

Hi Bernard,
Just a note to thank you for years and years of joy in reading your books. Enjoyed all the Sharpe novels (several times) and especially enjoying the ongoing Warrior Chronicles.

Your work is always top quality and thoroughly enjoyable. Keep writing them and I'll keep buying them

Best Regards,
Fred.

Mr. Cornwell,
I just wanted to say thank you so much for your books. I stumbled onto your book because I wanted to learn more of Arthur and found you on google as a suggested novelist. Well I have read the Arthur series and the Saxon chronicles and can't wait for the next one. In the meantime I have decided to start the grail quest and look forward to it and many more of your books. Every penny is well spent! Thank you
Fernando