Bulletin Board

A previous correspondent asked you who should play the title role in films of George Macdonald Fraser's Flashman novels. There have been rumours that James Purefoy provisionally accepted the part. Wikipedia (yes, I know) even quotes the involvement of two companies who helped make Sharpe. I really hope this is true as I think he would be close to perfect.
Andy Payne

Mr. Cornwell, I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I only became aware of your work recently. I'd seen a few 'Sharpe' films on television, and enjoyed them. I did not, however, choose to pursue reading the books they were developed from. That era of history simply does not appeal to me enough. While visiting family in Florida, of all miserable places to be, I came across 'Harlequin.' I read it on the plane rides back home, and hit the bookstore for the other two immediately. I've gone on to read all of the Saxon stories, and am trying to track down the Arthur and Stonehenge books as well. I'm sure this seems like a rather meaningless letter, so I'll cut to the point: I love your work. With the passing of David Gemmell, I realized that I rarely bother to drop a note to my favourite authors to tell them how much I appreciate their writing. So, here I am, saying that you're a tremendously talented writer and I'm very glad to have finally realized it. I'm eagerly awaiting Agincourt to hit the US/Canadian market, and I hope to see many more medieval-based stories from you! Best Regards, -Anthony Lombardi

: Dear Mr. Cornwell sounds a very formal way to address a man who has in a way accompanied me to bed, in book form for so long, but I don't know how else to address the creator of my heroes. I read the Warlord Trilogy and fell in love with Derfel Cadarn, but then read the stories of Uhtred of Bebbanburgh and my affections changed. I have just finished Sword Song and wait impatiently to see how Uhtreds' life carries on after this. I have never written a fan mail letter before, but wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed these books. They have been fantastic. Maybe I should give Sharpe a try now. But thank you again for all the pleasure you have given me. Chris Holliday

Hi Mr. Cornwell just wanted to say I've enjoyed the Saxon tales very much. I was very surprised at the mention of Cent - Kent in the latest Sword Song. My ancestors from as far back as I have researched 1600's - 1900's, all resided in Kent, England. Regards, Les

I was reading through the questions on this site and was curious to note that there were requests for more on the warlord series. I think it would be futile to add to those books. I was lucky enough to pick up all three at once and I can tell you you had me in from the first page through to the last of the series. I'd say they were perfect and the ending was rounded off well. You could not wish to add to that without spoiling a perfect series. I know it sounds a bit misty but I have to give credit where it's due. I have to ask again: any chance of making it to Australia, specifically western for a signing?

Adrian Guretti

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I really do not have any questions, more or less a thank you. Ever since I have been young, I have always been enthralled with stories regarding such subjects as Post-Roman Britain, the Napoleonic Wars (which was my emphasis on Napoleon's Spanish Ulcer, and Trafalgar, in my undergraduate work at Brigham Young University) and of course the Hundred Year's War. When I was working on my under-graduate schooling, it was hard to find good books on the matter since the subjects aren't fully studied here in the US. I just wanted to say thank you for the insightful knowledge and very well written books. Thank you, Andrew Snow

Dear Bernard I have one (possibly simple) question. How do you do it? My father and I have been avid readers now for over 10yrs and my girlfriend recently got a strong hint that I wanted Azincourt for my birthday but, I was wondering how you manage to write 1 amazing book after another and in such quick succession when other authors (no names here) would struggle to have 1 book every 2yrs that was to such high standards as yours! Your sincerely, Ian Thackray

Sir, Azincourt is vividly visualised and is much more dramatic than John Keegan's description, but I think the siege of Harfleur could take up fewer pages(the book is thick!). There is a computer game called "Medieval 2 : Total War" ,which is a very realistic game about warfare and building an empire in medieval Europe, the longbow units of England in it are superb against cavalry, and can also plant sharpened stakes! just hope you might be a bit interested....anyway,Azincourt's another great read!Thank you sir!
Jack Jiang

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am an avid reader of your books and have the pleasure of owning nearly all of them, and having read all the rest and I'd like to thank you for the joy they bring me. I am delighted to hear you are writing more in the Saxon series which I am particularly fond of and just wish you the best. Ross Gordon

When I began my search for enthralling adventure of The Middle Ages I had a difficult time until I found The Grail Quest. After breezing through it I started The Warlord Chronicles which I am about to finish. I would like to say that your books have kindled a love for British history within me. I have always had an interest in ancient history but I was never quite sure of where I wanted to be. I get excited when I talk about England and some of my friends have insisted that I should teach but alas, most kids these days don't really care much. I am also a Christian but I am not Catholic but I think I will be a little sad when Excalibur is over because I get attached to characters, even some of the not so likable ones. Going to Britain is now one of my dreams for it is a beautiful land and I would love to see many historical places and just explore the country. Next I will begin The Saxon Chronicles. Thank you for the great adventures.

Josef Dickens