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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

I LOVE historical fiction and I LOVE your books. I've read the Grail Quest Series, the Saxon Tales, a few of the Sharpe Novels, Stonehenge, and I've seen several of the BBC Sharpe films. I still have so many to go, but I'll finish them by the end of the year. I hope you live a long, healthy, creative life so that I will NEVER be without your wonderful books. En hilsen hentil jeres artig helbred, Mr. Cornwell. Susan Watson

Not much a question but a respond to an answer you provided me on an earlier question! I would like to say - dankjewel ;) - for as the answer was short, it gave me ( yet another!) light on the complex history about Arthur. However I managed to finish my research and passed :) Thanks a lot again for inspiring me to a fun, but endless ( There is so much speculation about Arthur!) research. Perhaps a nice fact is that next to Arthur being a pagan, it is also believed he was faithful to Roman religion, which leads to Mithras :P A fun puzzle! Thanks again :) Elbereth

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I contacted you a while ago--I am the former teacher who finally read your Arthur series and loved it. All of the characters were fantastic--especially Derfel--as was the plot and detail. (I passed on my copies of the books to a friend, and she has just finished The Winter King and she loved it too. I also bought two of your other books--one Starbuck, one Sharpe--for my husband, who is somewhat of a history buff). I had asked you which of your books to read next, and you suggested the Saxon series. I am now halfway through The Pale Horseman, and I have to say that I do not love Uhtred nearly as much as I adored Derfel. I rooted for Derfel. I am not sure what to do with Uhtred. (Poor Mildrith!) Every time I think I might like him, something troubling happens and I maintain my poor opinion. I keep hoping that this disquietude will resolve itself as I read on--will it? :-) Regardless, your sense of storytelling is excellent. "Fate is inexorable"--what a brilliant theme--therefore I must read on to see how it all plays out. Thank you for the marvelous entertainment! Most sincerely, Danielle Evans

I have just finished 'The Bloody Ground' (having read all the Starbuck Chronicles in order) and would beg that you resume the series. There must be hundreds of us desperate to read of Billy Blythe's eventual demise - hopefully suitably grim. Simon Bird

dear sir, I am an infantry soldier in the british army undergoing basic training. My regiment is the royal Irish but I am temporarily stationed with The Rifles. Throughout our training your books and name continue to pop-up. And it is not uncommon on a weekend for someone in one room or another to be watching the Sharpe films. I would like to thank you for your excellent stories, they provide a much needed distraction from the daily routine that we endure here. My compliments. Ranger Cupples

Hello Bernard. Whilst your website has been on my Favourites for many years I have only just looked at the 'Your questions' section and I'm amazed at the number of contacts you get and that you take the time not only to respond but respond in detail! I actually met you about 10 years ago in a little taverna at Talavera I think it was? You were guest speaker on a Midas Tours Sharpe's War tour and enthralled us all with personal insights and stories together with Richard 'Rifleman' Moore's insights. One of those moments in life that will stay with me and is often raised during conversations with mates, such as "... well when Bernie and I were chatting over a few drinks..." you get the idea! Having been a fan for ten years prior to that and stil eagerly reading and re-reading every book ten years later I would just like to say thank you very much for creating a lifetime of the best historical novels around.Regards Stuart Clarke, Bristol, England.

After I finished reading everything you have written, I discovered John Sandford and Lucas Davenport. I have been absorbed in that awhile, but I did read your latest Sharp novel when it came out. Really enjoyed it. Have one suggestion for your sailing novels set in England. If you have a character constantly attacked by criminals with guns, give the man a gun! It's fiction after all, he is not going to prison for life letting off a few 9mm rounds. Bob

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I've recently began reading your Sharpe series and I'm presently starting 'Sharpe's Sword'. I haven't enjoyed a series as much as I'm enjoying this one since Louis L'Amours' Sackett series, and ALL of his other books I might add. I do believe that reading ALL of your writing, as did LL's, will bring me great future pleasure. I look forward to finishing the Sharpe series, believe it or not, only so that I may start the other book groups of yours. ... I, like several here, am an aspiring writer and, as per your request, I will never trouble your mental and legal areas,(LOL)with my wanting to(share)with someone of your stature. Thank you for your work that I am enjoying so very much. I'll comment again when I've finished the Sharpe series. Your ardent fan, Tennessee Dave