Bulletin Board

Dear Mr Cornwell. Just a line to tell you how very much I have enjoyed reading your books.I feel as though I know the characters, have visited the places and taken part in the battles.I have but one request. Could you please write faster? Yours sincerely. Peter Madden.

Mr. Cornwell, A thank you for writing the Arthur novels! The retelling is simply refreshing to the romanticized and Christianized versions to which we're all exposed, in legend, media, and literature. Lancelot a "bad guy?" -- people too proud often are. Arthur "human?" -- if only all of our leaders had their ambition tempered by humility and even shame. And historical accuracy (at least for the time period)? -- finally! These books have tied The Lord of the Rings triology on my all-time favorites list. I look forward to reading your other books. Lisa Kort-Butler

I should not begin by saying that I have never written an author before, even if it is true as day break, the reason for this is that my favorite writers growing up were deceased. An example would be Edgar Rice Burroughs. The magic of those pot boilers would transport my mind to another place and another time. Now there is so little time to read, raising a family of my own, that investing time in a book is not like picking up a magazine at a doctor's office and thumbing through waiting to visit another waiting room with older magazines. So when I began reading "An Archers Tale", sorry I know you prefer the oringinal title but I can't spell Harlequin, I began picking up more of your books. When a sculpter hammers away, or painter dabs bits of colour on canvas there is often that nagging feeling, "is it any good?" There are plenty of people banging away and pumping out two dimensional tripe. Breathing life back into the past and resurrecting characters from forgotten ages takes real talent. By cobbling mere words together an author must create a picture and fill that image with life. You have done this chore in spades with a talent and craftmaship that is a marvel. Two books that I enjoyed very much revolved around some celtic Saints Patrick- Stephen Lawhead Columba- Nigel Tranter Unfortunately Nigel has passed away and his books are difficult to find in the US. I suppose I should drop Mr. Lawhead a note. In any event I thought if you plied your talents to bringing alive one of Britains forgotten Saints it would make a great read. Another forgotten people are the picts, which would make for a swell series. It would not disappoint your legion of fans and you know I would buy a copy. I digress... Thank you for the pleasure your books provide I am enjoying them to and from work in audio format which is a real treat. I wish you all the best and good health so you can fill more shelves with your special creations. I am especially looking forward to the next installment of the Saxon Stories, following "The Pale Horseman". Cheers, JKF

I've seen all the Sharpe eps on BBC America and decided to read your books. Lo and behold on the jacket cover I find you are the same age as I and got inspired by Hornblower. I have all the books in that Hornblower Saga after starting reading them before my tenth birthday. I read Sharpe's Eagle with a book called "The Spanish Ulcer" by David Gates. This book gives a rather good look at `Old Nosey' in Spain I think. Thank You for the books...R C Johnston

Hi Bernard, I noticed the guys comments about getting ticked at your continual use of the words "heart-beat" and your response. I think the word you are looking for is "a tick". When I had a life, I had occassion to visit Tristan da Cuhna a couple of times, the population there, as you may know, were all descended from ex military types of about Sharpes era who took their release in S. Africa and until the volcanic eruption there, lived a "comfortable" if hard life on the remotest spot one will find on the face of this earth. I seem to remember that most of them had one of two family names, one I think was Repetto. the other I cant recall. However; an expression often heard was "wait a tick" or "hold on a tick", "be with you in a couple of ticks". A pitiful contribution for the hours of pure bliss you have given me with your books, but if it helps you at all to avoid the wrath of your odd one or two picky readers I shall feel my time spent not watching N. American TV to have been fully justified. Sincerely, Bob Hunt. BC Canada.

Hi, I'm from Brazil. I´ve already read The Arthur Books and now I´m reading the Saxon Books. I'm not certain how many books this series will contain, so that's my doubt. One more thing - I´ve written a poem inspired by you precise and beautiful description of a shield wall in the heat of a battle. Here it is:

SHIELD WALL (29/05/2006)

Oh holy hour
In this fierce night shade
Wont let my soul to rest
And never let me lay
Pace me kind this raptor shield
Upon the hills mourn iron and lead
A shriek of havoc and earth unbound
From my hand whose soul is fed
Swing, swing enchanted melody
Clang delight where fate is met
Sing, sing skalds of tragedy
Mighty might succumb yet

Thanks a lot, Artur

Hello Mr Cornwell, I have recently become unemployed and have taken the time to go back to school. I have to drive 1.5 hours one way to school and decided to do my reading at the local library. I found an an audio book of Sharpe's Fortress and listened to it on my way to and from school and while driving around looking for work. I found myself symply looking forward to the drive now. I know you rather I buy the books but until I find a new job thats out of the question. HOWEVER I look forward to the day I have all the Sharpe's books on my wall. I know I sounded like a begger at first I a sure you I am not. I have a savings and am doing well but wanted you to know that you have made my hard times MUCH better. I currently am listening to Sharpe's Havok and have one CD to go. I am amazed at how I feel like I know Sharpe, Harper and the rest of the men and Sharpe's Women. The guy is a pure chick magnet. I think we all would like a touch of that. Thank you for your work it is really making my time go well and I look forward to either listening, watching(TV) or reading more of the Sharpe's books. Sharpe'e Sword wanted me to go out and buy a replica of the sword that Harper made not the fancy one. Dan Mayhew

Dear Sir Why does it feel strange speaking to you? Is it because I am speaking with a world-famous author- the person that is talked about and admired even in far away places like South Africa? Is it because you are the very person who has written the reams and reams of writing that has awakened and inspired me; whose name stares at me on dozens of books so meticulously arrayed on my shelf? Or is it because I am not only speaking to a Mr Cornwell, but to a string of characters that have had such an impact on my life? For you are Derfel. You are Uhtred, and Saban, and all those other characters of your creation. Mr Cornwell, I am seventeen. I aspire to be a writer; to live my grandest and fanatical adventures through the power of words. I look up to you like no other, and more than you can possibly imagine. I really hope some day I can meet you. To be like you is the Mt Everest I am preparing to climb. But with all the respect and adulation that perhaps the greatest of historical writers of this modern age deserves, and from a boy who admires you so much and would give anything for the opportunity to talk to you, I just want to say one thing. One day, I will beat you. I will beat you. Thanks for being the creator of characters that will stay with me forever. Thanks for treating your fans so well. Kind Regards Kyle :)

Just a quick thank you for many many hours of pleasure reading the Sharp-Saxon-Quest series of books. I have been off work for over 5 months due to illness and being unable to walk unaided I have had enormous pleasure in consuming your work , I look forward to your next book whatever hero you decide to write about .Well done from a big fan

Mr Cornwell...its been such a long time since I last wrote to you. Can I just say once again how mjuch I love you? Over the past 15 years or so, you have given me so much enjoyment. Im only 23 and discovered Sharpe Via the TV series when I was 10 years old. WHen I was about 13 I read my first novel, and since then Ive been hooked on your books! Each new release has me eagerly rushing to the bookstore to make sure I can get the hardback edition before they sell out. I have all the Sharpe series, Ive already had to replace some books because they have literally fallen apart from too much reading! I was wondering when you would next be in Birmingham for a book signing? I have several Sharpe books, and the Uhtred novels that are just waiting for your signature (My most prised possession is a signed copy of Fortress :D) I just really wanted to thank you again for all the years of joy and pleasure you have given me, and giving me the enthusasm to write myself (I have acollection of fanfiction (non Shape - sorry) under my username alienangie at fanfiction.net that has recieved some possitive feedback So once again...thank you. I cant imagine life without Sharpe or Uthred. They have been my constant companions through many an ordeal - deaths, weddings, fires! Holidays and much much more...so once again thank you! Angie xxxxx