Dear Mr. Cornwell, I happened to get one of your series (Harlequin, ...) recommended by a friend on the Internet, and when I started to read it, I was instantly hooked. I love to read historical novels, especially of that early time up to 17th century, and so far I don't recall reading any books that were better then yours. I can't put into words how much I liked that series, and I also read the Arthur's saga, which I found a bit weaker after Thomas' adventures, but still a really great read. Now I just finished reading the series about Uhtred and King Alfred and I was really really sorry that it was over, because it was by far the best from the books I have read from you so far. I do hope that you keep that promise from the last page, where you say that there is more to come and Uhtred needs Serpent-Breath again. At least I hope that this was not just some clever ending line, but a promise to continue with this series. :) I felt a bit sorry, that each of these books had "only" three volumes, because I would have happily read another twelve volumes each. :) But I do appreciate it that you made an excellent work and brought it to a good closure, as I'm quite disappointed about other writers, like Robert Jordan, who seem to loose their focus and drag on endlessly, thus ruining a good story. Since I prefer books from that older age, I hope that there is more coming from you. I haven't heard about that Sharpe's series until I looked for more books from you, and heard only the best. So if they are as well written as the medieval books I certainly will enjoy them, and I just ordered the first book of that series. I hope that you wont forget the Saxons, Danes, Scots (you haven't written from their perspective so far so it might be a nice hint. :) ) and other tribes of that time and that we hear still more of them in the future. Sincerely yours, Gerhard (Austria)
Bulletin Board
Never written to an author before, but I simply have to say what an enthralling and fascinting series of books you have written. I've just retired and now have the time to enjoy reading. Fabulous stuff ! Arthur Matthews
I'm 26 now, I read your first book when I was 11. I saw a copy of Sharpe's Rifles lying in the bargain bin at the municipal library and picked it up for 50 cents. Since then, I've read and enjoyed all your books, and I just wanted to say keep up the good work :) Cheers, Amin
Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm a native of MA and a well read 23 year old. I visit the Cape every summer and have for my entire life. Usually Falmouth - Old Silver Beach, or Nauset Light and Yarmouth Area. I bet you live in Falmouth or Chatham. I imagine it is the perfect place for you to develop your plots. My own library is probably 500 books, and I'm happy to say, growing with each of your novels. You are an excellent writer. Your stories flow smoothly in the way of Louis L'Amour but have even better and more diversified characters, plenty of humor, and you write about a variety of historical times that really are not covered by any one writer. I always read and buy the entire works of every author I like, including Cussler, Ludlum, L'Amour, Grisham, and now that I ran out of all of those, expanded into DuBrul, Child and Preston, and within the last few months: you. I'm very pleased that you continue to write (and have written a lot in the past), and I hope you continue to write for quite a long time. Have no doubt, you are already among the greats. I've finished the archer series, the saxon series, the starbuck series this evening, and I'm now working on the last of the Aurthur series and 5 books into Sharpe. Will you write another for Starbuck? It says he will march again, but it has been years. The saxon series and archer series are incredibly great reads. I love that old-time setting. Keep up the great work and perhaps sometimes I'll see you on the Cape. Take care, Nick Martowski
Yes Nick, I do plan to get back to Starbuck one day.
Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have been a fan of your books for many years. In fact, I have focused my university studies on the "Celtic World" and Arthurian legends because of my love of your books. To be specific I live in Ottawa Canada, french Canadian roots, thus had very little exposure to that world. I have probably taken a course for every one of your books: One on the Hundred years war, many on celtic mythology, literature and iron age Britain. I simply wanted to take the time to thank you for all your hard work and wonderful books, I have spent many hours of enjoying them. Very much looking forward to your 4th book in your Alfred the great series. Thank you Jayson
I hope this message finds you well. I wish to thank you for the hours of enjoyment you have provided me. Your books have traveled with me to many places and have eased the tension and stress late at night in my own home. To travel into the worlds you have recreated is a great treat. This latest series of Alfred's England is, perhaps, the best yet. Once again my most sincere thanks. Ron Cope
Dear Mr. Cornwell. I just finished "The Lords of the North". Fantastic in the manner of its predecessors. I can't wait for Uhtred to climb all over his filthy uncle. Uhtred rocks. He should be playing rugby for the Wallabies. We could surely use him this year. Regards, Paul Enders
Hell, the English need him more! Then the Welsh would recruit Derfel, and that would be the end of rugby as we know it.
Mr. Cornwell, Inspired by your Sharpe series as a means of bringing history alive, we write in hopes of capturing your interest in an exciting and provocative new setting: British North America. British troops defended and changed the course of history at fortified and battlefield sites in Canada. Through 18th century battles with the French for control of fishing and the fur trade, through the War of 1812, and the Rebellions of the late 1830's to the Fenian raids of the mid 1860s, British forces served here. Specialized forces were recruited in Britain to serve specifically in the Canadas: the Royal Sappers and Miners raised companies for the construction of the Rideau Canal, or the Royal Canadian Rifle Regiment which protected the Canadas from the early 1840s until the withdrawal of imperial forces in 1870. Soldiers discharged in Canada received land grants and often lead and trained militia units to assist British line regiments in the Defence of the Canadas. Fortunately, numerous British military posts have been preserved as historic sites and your fans here fantasize about British North America as a setting for a new Richard Sharpe novel. At any rate, we hope you will consider our freely offered suggestions and congratulations on your excellent work. Bob Garcia Suzanne Plousos Cornwall, Ontario
Thank you! I've got a lot of research on various bits of the War of 1812, but I have to confess it's not high on my list of priorities, and alas, you will probably never see Sharpe travelling to North America.
I greatly enjoyed The Saxon Tales and plan on reading The Sharpe novels. I have just retired from teaching and coaching at Tabor Academy in Marion after 43 years. I taught mostly European history and coached wrestling. My only criticism of your Saxon Tales is that you need someone to better proof read before you publish. For example in "Lords of the North" on page 135, in the first paragraph it should be "men" not "man." And again on page 248 it should be "the small house that 'was', not 'were..." Subject and verb must agree. Sorry to be so nit picking. I very much enjoyed the trilogy and expect that a fourth novel will involve Bebbanburg. Best of luck, Larry Bidstrup ( name is Danish!)
hi Mr. Cornwell. I`m a big fan of yours, I've read all your books the library in my town own. Tomorrow I have to make a speech about a English author in my English course and I selected you because i just want the others to know about your books. Markus PS:I like the Arthur books most, and I`m happy because I read you like them most too. PPS:Please excuse my bad English`m German ;)Markus Eichenseher
Your English is better than my German! Good luck with your speech.