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Hi, i have previously read Stonehenge so when I saw your name on a bookspine i ended up buying "Harlequin". I have just finished reading "Vagabond" from the library so will have to hunt down "Heretic". My 18yo daughter, Genevieve, is only just getting into Arthurian tales so hopefully she will reach for more historical ones at a later date. Thankyou for the great bedtime stories... thats the only time I read. Jenny

I am so glad you found my message about Warburton and St Werburgh of interest. Needless to say, if you decide to use her story in one of your Saxon stories I will be absolutely thrilled. Your view of the various miracles of the Saxon saints seems remarkably similar to Uhtreds. When learning to read, under Beoccas instruction, from a life of one of the saints, Uhtred questions why the saint didnt do a more useful miracle. Well, yes. And much the same applies to St Werburgh. She apparently performed other miracles, but the one with which she is most associated concerned geese. There are two parts to this. One is about subdueing the wild geese which were destroying her fields of corn (theres that word corn again and her? fields of corn??) and the corollary is about resurrecting one of the wild geese stolen, cooked and eaten by her greedy steward. You can find amazing amounts of information about her story on the internet. Who knew? Clearly this speaks to a different way of looking at the world. Elizabeth Smith

Hello Mr. Cornwell, Thanks very much for so many hours of enjoyment and excitement. I'm especially excited tonight because I've just found that Lords of the North has arrived in the only library in my county! And since I haven't had my hands on a book in this series since the spring, this is a special treat. I also enjoy the work of Conn Iggulden, and bought his first Caesar novel because of a favourable comment by you on the back cover. I e-mailed him to express my appreciation of his work, and now I'm happy to do the same for your work -- thanks very much and may you write many more! Yours sincerely, John Stevens

Dear Mr Cornwell, You may recall that several years ago I sent you a transcript of an old newspaper story about a British naval hero who had sunk several American ships on a raid into enemy territory? Well, I remain a Bernard Cornwell addict and thought I would tell you how much I have enjoyed reading the first three "Saxon Stories", not the least because my wife descends from a Saxon family who were with Alfred when he was hiding out in the Somerset marshes at Athelney. Later her ancestors we part of the Saxon settlement in the Winkleigh area of Devon, at Lug's Farm or settlement, we believe. In 1238 Nicholas Lug was 'a juror' in the Winkleigh Hundred. The family name evolved into Luxton, and in Devon there is still a village of Luxton Barton. Needless to say I am eagerly awaiting the next "Uhtred" novel. You do seem to come up with some splendid heroes. Warmest Regards, Ian. ps I haven't read the latest "Sharpe" yet but it is next in line after I have finshed reading Manda Scott's "Boudica" quartet. Ian M. Green

Hi Bernard, I have just finished the Arthurian trilogy and i can't put words what a fantastic series. I'm trying to write a novel myself and compared to this brilliance i might as well set fire to it and forget my dreams. I just wanted to copy in an interesting piece i found on the website www.imdb.com under the film King Arthur. Please find below the list of actors - characters of your series that someone would like to see: Peter Jackson; Director (Lord of the Rings) Ewan McGregor; Derfel (Former captain in Arthur's army who tells the story) Sean Bean; Arthur (Sharpe, Boromir, Odysseus etc. Sean just has that ability to do anything) William Hurt; Bishop Sansum (William is perfect for a slippery slimeball kind of guy (A History of Violence)) Kiera Knightly; Nimue (The young woman who is filled with sorcery) Brendan Gleeson; King Gundleus (A villainous killer) OR Culhwch (sidekick of Derfel (Braveheart)) Christopher Lee; Merlin (The unpredictable wizard on no one's side) Christian Bale; Galahad (Younger brother of Lancelot) Marton Csokas; Lancelot (Bit of a faker) Bryan Cox; King Gorfydded (Another villain) Personally i think this is an awful wishlist! Regards, Dave Cook

Hi again, Mr. Cornwell. In a November 27th posting, Anthony Barry asked about novels on 1066 and the Norman Conquest. He should read "Harold the King" by Helen Hollick. It is a wonderful novel on the life of Harold Godwinson. Also, he can check used book services such as alibris.com and abebooks.com for Poul Anderson's trilogy "The Last Viking" on the life of King Harald Hardrada of Norway. They are "The Last Viking, The Golden Horn", "The Last Viking, The Road of the Sea Horse", and "The Last Viking, Sign of the Raven." The description of the battle of Stamford Bridge in "Sign of the Raven" is one of the most gripping I have ever read outside of your stuff. Alan Kempner

Mr.Cornewll, I am writing to thank you for all the pleasure I have rerived from reading your books. I thought I had read all of them. but "mirebile dictu", I have not. I find there are several new Sharpe novels that you have plced in the interstces of the originals and the "early years in India. And now I discover the Saxon Tales. I am one of those who checks frequently for the next Starbuck book, but you have left yourself quite a task. There are four books already and you are only to the summer of '62. You will understand when I fervently wish you the Vulcan "blessing", "May you live long and prosper." Am I alone in wishig to have you follow up on Redcoat and the Grail Quest books? I close by telling you I have not only bought all your books that I have read (and just ordered the most recently written Sharpe books), But I have sent copies of most of your books to my two sons and a brother. As you have, very reasonably, been compared to Patrick O'Brien, I reckon you won't be surprised to know I am a fan of his as well. And I particularly enjoyed your having Sharpe meet Lord Cochrane. Thank you sir, V/R: Jack Shale

Dear Bernard, Thank you for the endless hours, days, weeks of enjoyment I have gained reading your wonderfull stories. I am a fan of all your works from Derfel to Thomas of Hookton to Rider and Uhtred and finally the man who introduced me to your work Richard Sharpe! I cannot wait for the next in the Uhtred series and also until my 4 year old is a bit older so I can introduce him to the delights of your work! Please keep up the great work and I would love to see you write any historical novel / series about the clans and tribes in Scotland! Gerry Fitzsimmons

Dear Mr.Cornwell.I am a late newcomer to your books. I have read the first four Sharpe novels back to back and absolutely enjoyed them and can't wait for the next one. I am currently reading "The Lords Of The North", once again back to back. Can I just say that the ending of part one when Guthred had betrayed Uhtred into slavery, and their parting of the ways brought tears to my eyes. I found it quite moving. I do not often put pen to paper, so to speak, being an old soldier (44) I prefer to keep my own council. But when something needs to be said I will. So here's to many more years of great reading and thanks. Nick Grant.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I adore the Sharpe books, the Saxon Stories, the Arthur books, the Grail Quest books, and Stonehenge. I enjoyed GALLOW'S THIEF very much indeed, and hope you'll turn that into a series. Just an idea.... Thank you for your vivid imagination and your very careful historical scholarship. I'd like to write like you when I grow up someday. Sincerely, Laura in Texas