Bulletin Board

Just wanted to say a personal thank you for another incredible read. I'm a writer too but not very successful as far as sales of my only 2 books are concerned. Just about to start researching my first historical novel and knowing how much I appreciate the little encouragement I get, even a 'big' author like yourself may well need a bit of encouragement too from time to time (although judging by your website I'm not the first to write my appreciation of your skills!!) I've devoured a number of your books over the years but have only just read Fallen Angels. Different to Arthur perhaps, but characters, plot etc were stunning. I reread some paragraphs just for the pleasure of the beauty of your writing. Thanks for sharing your talent. Anne le Tissier

Hi there Bernard. I would just like to say how much I have enjoyed reading your novels. I have the entire Sharpe collection, Starbuck Chronicles, Grail Quest collection, Stonehenge, and 2 of the Arthur collection. I have just finished reading Lords of the North - an excellent piece of work. Living in the North-East, with a great passion for Bamburgh and Lindisfarne, I relished this latest part of the story. I am avidly awaiting the next part of Uhtred's journey. Please keep up with your writing as you are truly performing a great service to your readers, Thank you. Stay happy. Stay healthy. Keep smiling. Live long. Keep writing (please). many many thanks, John

I just finished Lords of the North, the 34th of your books I've read and one of the best so far. Keep 'em coming - I eagerly await each new volume. One minor irritant (tiny, but irritant nonetheless): your overuse of the word "heartbeat". I'm 66 years old and this is the first fan letter I've ever written! Best wishes. Stuart Carter

I am a HUGE fan of your Sharpe Series, the TV series on the history channel got me interested in the late 90's. I am a huge history nut..major in college, so far I haven't found a series of yours yet that isn't great. Now reading "Warlord Chronicles." I have turned my brothers, and so many others on to your work..Thank you! You really need to get some movies going! You would make J.K. Rowling look impoverished. I am 41 yr old history nut who you have now also turned into a fiction reader. I've always been seen as a "jock type," but now I feel like one "Dungeons and Dragons" or "Star Trek" groupies. Anyway thank you for getting me and others interested in your work. I wish you could get a one of your series of choice on HBO,or Showtime. I like "Rome" on HBO, and your material is much better than the Henry V111, or Elizabeth. Now that the Saprano's is ending,,there is a void..If I had the $, I would produce your work!

Todd Logan

I have just finished reading "The Last Kingdom". I bought it in a second-hand store only because it mentioned "Alfred the Great". I brought it home. and once I started reading I could hardly set it down. I do not read much fiction, but I read this book in 4 seatings. I am going now to purchase 'The Pale Horseman". Thomas Laderoute

Hi, I was never a reader and one day I walked through an airport and the cover of the winter kind caught my eye. I picked it up and when I discovered it was about Arthur I started to real. It was the first time I had ever read a trilogy. Since then I have also read your saxon stories and i am looking forward to next 3 or 4. After reading your book I was excited about the Arthur film coming out. What a let down. Your Arthur Story would make a great trilogy film. If it was done well it could be better than Lord of the rings. With your screen history with Sharpe, surely as an author your books are more likely to be turned into films than others. Is there any hope for Arthur hitting the screen? Maybe we can start a petition to some big film studios :-). Looking forward to reading more. Scott Baxter

Hello Bernard I have been a fan of "Sharpe" for many years, but must confess to not having read any of your other series of historical novels until I got into the Saxon "Uhtred" stories. SUPERB STUFF! I've relished reading all three, and in particular "Lords of the North" since I live in Yorkshire, and spent 3 years at University in Durham, living for 2 of them in the Castle that now occupies the top of that forbidding crag in the bend of the river! I spent a lot of time reading about the history (and mythology) around the relics of St Cuthbert purely out of interest and curiosity when I was a student, so it was great to see how you'd woven some of that into the story. With the Northumbrian roots of your own family (as you mention in the sleeve notes), it's clearly an area that's close to your heart too. Very much looking forward to following more of Uhtred's adventures, and particularly when those adventures take him into such familiar territory. I'd very much like to see what you'd make of a "Wars of the Roses" scenario if you are ever stuck for a setting for a future series of books! Lots of superb characters and dramatic goings-on around that period too. Keep writing these superb books! Cheers Andrew

Dear Mr. Cornwell I realise that it's probably beyond your control, but (memo to publishers!) please, please, please bring back Tim Piggot-Smith as narrator to the audio versions of your truly excellent novels. I so enjoyed listening to the Arthurian Triology & The Grail Quest, but feel that the audio versions of the The Saxon Stories have just lost their edge slightly in narration without Tim Piggot-Smith. I'd also like to compliment you on Gallows Thief - please DO write another Captain Ryder Sandman story ! Wonderful. Simon Ellwood

No need for reply. I just wanted to send a long overdue thank you for the many hours of reading pleasure I have enjoyed thanks to your work. I was delighted to see the Kells books back in print; I hope more people will enjoy them now. Several years ago I found fine out of print copies of both The Fallen Angels and A Crowning Mercy. I have wonderful memories of reading The Fallen Angels aloud to my husband during a long car trip; he liked it so much I read him A Crowning Mercy on our next trip! I always particularly enjoy your discussions of social class and religions. I've been a terrific fan of the Sharpe novels for years and also loved the Grail Quest but am afraid that Uhtred might be supplanting Sharpe in my affections. Since you say they are your favorites, I guess I'll have to read The Arthur books, while I eagerly await the sequel to Lords of the North. Again, my sincere thanks. Felicia Uhden

Reference to comment from bulletin board Post Date: 12 Apr, 2007 ..... I stumbled over one little passage. You wrote there that Uthred wears his sword on his back "for drawing it faster". By my experience ...... it is really impossible to draw a relatively long typical viking sword if you wear it on your back......

I think this guy has taken your quote out of context. In the shield wall you built a picture where the people fight so close that it would hard to draw a sword from your side. He may have a valid point that it is more difficult in general to draw, but in the context of a shield wall when your sides are pressed??? If you are trying to raise your sword, to strike above your head, I think the back makes most sense. I am pretty sure Uthred (who is very clever character) would have worn the sword in a way which he could draw quickly. After all if they can do it in the movies :-)
Scott Baxter

Dear Bernard, in response to the question from Lutz about Uhtred wearing his sword on his back. I seem to remember that Uhtred did this as it was easier to draw and downstroke when in the shield wall. I haven't read the Saxon stories since Lords of the North came out; guess that's my weekend task. Jon