Bulletin Board

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I grew up reading the books my father read: Alistair MacLean, Louis L'Amour, Clive Cussler, Patrick O'Brien... My father loved adventure stories and I idolized my father. Somewhere along the way, I quit reading these types of books. I was just 'too busy.' Two years ago, my dad gave me "The Last Kingdom" and insisted I would love it. I put it on a shelf and forgot about it until he died a couple of months later. I finally picked it up and read it, and I must confess to tears as I accompanied Uhtred into the shield wall. I have since defended a hilltop against a French onslaught, sailed the Pucelle into Trafalgar, and summoned the gods with Merlin, just as my dad did. Thank you for books, which have quickened my lost love of adventure and are my beloved father's final gift to me. Thank you.
Mike Ozmun

Mr. Cornwell in this months Harvard Magazine there is an article by Jonathan Shaw "Men of England" it starts on page 30. that may be of interest to you. It is about the genetic make of English men pre and post Roman times. Thank you for a splendid series of books, Victor

I just read a post " Post Date: 29 Jun, 2009" by Marc who is trying to find more information on Sir John Cornwaille. I likewise have been inspired by Bernard to find out more. I've borrowed 2 books from Essex libraries. These are :-
"Medieval Mercenary, Sir John Hawkwood of Essex" by Christopher Starr. Published by the Essex Record Office 2007 and
"Sir John Hawkwood Chivalry and the Art of War" by Stephen Cooper. Published by Pen & Sword military, Pen & Sword Books Ltd 2008. Hope they are helpful.
Arthur

Starbuck has reminded me of one of my favourite cartoons. It shows two Yankee soldiers lolling on a bank. One is saying ,"An' then we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea, an' it durn near drove me mad." With anticipatory best wishes.

David Stanners

Dear Mr Cornwell I have just finished reading "Azincourt" and wanted to say how much I enjoyed it. It is a true gift to be able to transport your reader to the hell of battle and weave in the supporting stories and I look forward to my next expedition into history. It truly saddens me that some children will not be able to use their imagination by reading stories like yours and I do not know where I would have been over 70 odd years without you and the other authors who have transported me to Desert Islands, Naval Battles and other similar excitement. Thank you John Sutton

Hi Mr Cornwell, I have just spent an enjoyable Medieval Day in Cheshire and had the opportunity to speak to an archer who was kind enough to explain the workings of an Italian yew longbow and the arrows he used. (He could actually draw a full pull on the bow!). It was amazingly light to hold considering its size. I thought that it might be of interest to you to know that he explained that the Italian yew staves had to be supplied to England in at least 6 foot lengths because under that length incurred a tax! Kind Regards Tony

I don't have a manuscript and will not ask you to sign a book for my collection. I just wanted to let you know that I look forward to every book that you write - I don't follow the Sharpe series, which I should do at some point. I was a history teacher and am now an Investment Counsellor with a major Canadian investment firm and I find your novels a wonderful distraction from my usual reading fare, which usually involves non-fiction. Quite simply, you bring history to life through very personal experiences of ordinary people living in extraordinary times. An appreciative fan. Frank Charbonneau

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I just heard something wonderful! You're going to visit Brazil this year! Unfortunately, just Rio de Janeiro. Is there a way to change your mind so you can go to other cities as well ? =D I'd just love to see you in my city! Although I'll try my best to go the Book Fair in Rio de Janeiro. Are you going to sign books there? I'd really like to have my Sword Song copy signed! It would be even better to get a copy of The Burning Land signed, but the book is going to be published after the fair =( Without any doubts The Saxon Stories is my favorite book series along with a science fiction called "Perry Rhodan". I can't wait 'till October to the release of TBL, I've already placed a pre-order from amazon.co.uk! Hope to see you soon in Brazil, Best regards, Gabriel

Bernard, I have read a lot of your books but not in the order you have wrote them over the years. I am now reading the first in The Grail Quest, Harlequin. Bernard a fantastic book. Its good that you add the Welsh archers in the book as the Welsh were very good archers, even had ago at it myself when I was around 12, many years ago. Bernard when it comes to writing you are top dog. I have read Scarrow, Iggulden and Gemmell, all very good (sad Gemmell is not with us) but you are in my eyes, ears and mind are the best. Before anyone thinks, myself and Bernard are related, we are not. He is the best writer around, fact.
Steve

I have finally managed to catch up with the Starbuck series and demolished the 4 books in a matter of days. As a result I am so frustrated. So many unfinished story lines, so many characters whose fates I would like to know and a sense of having a wonderful story snatched away from me without closure. The imagery of the period was superb and I am now buying history books on the whole war....but no Starbuck ! He's had a long rest. He must be ready to fight at least one more battle...please.
Ernest Jackson