Bulletin Board

Dear Mr Cornwell, I hope this finds you and your wife Patricia well, or is she your sister? I can never remember... :o) Now my intention was to tell you of a brilliant and original idea I had about making the Arthur books in to a film or three, maybe involving Ridley Scott as he does the historical stuff very well. Having read through your web site I'm somewhat crestfallen! Not very original at all eh? So I'm not going to mention that, and it's an excellent point you make about you writing books and not making films - nuff said. So I thought I'd tell you that you're my favourite writer having enjoyed the Arthur, Grail Quests and Saxon (next one not til October!!) books. Have to admit I struggled with Stonehenge and didn't finish it, and not attempted any of the Shapre ones - not sure why, might be because of Sean Bean? I note the authorities haven't acted upon your suggestion of staging the Cricket World Cup in China (!) so thankfully it's in the Caribbean - will you be attending any of the matches? Shame we didn't have Derfel and Uhtred opening for us during The Ashes! Sharpe to swashbuckle Goweresque like at number 3... I've finshed waffling now. Regards, Paul Marlow.

Love your books! Just finished Lords of the North and can't wait for the next one....but I have to wait, urrgghhh!
Mary Kate Karam

Dear Mr Cornwell, I just want to thank you for your wonderful stories - it seems to me that you are a descendant of the Taliesin you described in the warlord chronicles :) I also greatky enjoyed the Grail Quest and the Saxon Stories - I read the latter last year during a summer trip in southern England. I will introduce your stories on burgen.de - its Germany's biggest castle portal with around 20.000 readers every month. I started this project some years ago out of passion and love to our cultural heritage, with an increasing emphasis on british castles & history. Thank you again for telling us epics. Kind regards, Veith Schörgenhummer

I'd finally read everything written by Reginald Hill, Andy McNab and Colin Dexter. I was looking for a new author. I bought Stonehenge whilst on a trip to this impressive market place / sundial. I live in Winchester so am hooked on the Saxon Stories. I've also read the Grail Quest books. Your style is exceptional. Descriptions bring the horrors of war to the minds eye, and dialogues sound real. Hopefully a Hollywood film producer will make films of the Grail Quest and the Saxon Stories as they are more suited than the Da Vinci Code, which I did enjoy. Thanks for the advice on writing. In the last two days I've finally produced something on my laptop that my wife thinks is readable. You've given me the confidence to believe in my inner voice. I will focus on the story and not on trying to produce a clasic text for myopic Oxbridge Professors to disucss in their Common room.

Mike Thompson

I just opened "The Eagle's Prophecy" by Simon Scarrow and saw your comment, "I really don't need this kind of competition," and I thought it was just about the best comment I've ever seen. (I particularly hate "A real page turner." Anyway, what a nice compliment to Mr. Scarrow, and just a great thing to say. Brenda Webb

Last night I bought Lords of the North and today, to my wife's consternation, could not put it down until I was finished. A warm day in February for Wyoming is rare and here I was reading when there were chores to be done! She shouldn't be surprised. It happens every time I pick up one of your books. Your storytelling is addictive as always. Thank you. And I hope Ulthred will make an appearance soon and not go on vacation like Lt. Starbuck. Thanks again for such a wonderful read - even if my wife doesn't like it! Sincerely, Mike Woods

Being only 13 and having reading these books for past 2 years, I feel that even if these books are seen as suitable for a more grown-up audience, they are enjoyable and I have managed to persuade my friends to read them! My favourite series would probaly be the Warlord trilogy. Keep writing!!! Goerge

Hi this is Brian, a student of physics at the university of Oklahoma. I enjoyed the Saxon Stories very much and I would personally like to thank you for letting me into the world of Uhtred. You probably can't answer all the emails yourself but I hope this praise can get to you in some form or another. Keep up the great work because its appreciated.

Thanks you so much for your quick response regarding the "pace." In my original question, I should have pointed out that the Ancient Roman pace was also a two-step pace. The Romans standardized it at 58 inches, the standard Roman 5 feet. As a former military man, myself, who marched many a mile at the standard military step (not pace)of 30 inches, I'm betting that the Baker Rifle was very accurate at more than 200 one-step paces (165 yards). Rifleman Thomas Plunkett of the 1st Battalion, 95th rifles was supposed to have made an extraordinary killing shot on General Colbert at between "200 paces and 800 yards." Since there's such an enormous difference between 165 yards and 800 yards--or even 330 yards (if you accept the two-step pace)and 800 yards, it would seem to me that there would be greater agreement on the distance, but, the latter distance seems to be the one most modern scholars agree upon. I just wish they could agree on just what constitutes a pace!!

Mark Dymkoski

Sir; After reading some of the letters posted on your website from your fans, I don't think there is much else that I can add to the accolades & praise for your very enjoyable work that hasn't already been said. I have had the very pleasurable experience of reading nearly all of the Richard Sharpe books, ("Sharpe's Devil" is next!....) As I am nearing the end of the extant adventures of Sharpe & Harper, I'm trying to read slower, to prolong the experience. I can honestly say that I haven't enjoyed any reading as much as I have with the Sharpe books. Your knowledge of historical details and the incorporation of them into the storyline, really brings thins to life. I am an historical reenactor/hobbyist, and I am familiar with some of the details that you relate so well in the stories. It is satisfying to see that kind of attention to detail. -It makes it so much more alive! Well done, sir! I am hopeful that the future will hold another Sharpe book or two. Inspiration is a capricious muse. But she may be a fan of Richard Sharpe. So I'll rermain hopeful. Best of the day to you!-- Terry