Bulletin Board

Rider Sandman - your hero in Gallows Thief - deserves another "outing". He has all the "Sharp" elements but a different, more seamy, side to post-war England. He connects the stews with the nobility and completes the circle of high and low life from the more honourable side. I am enjoying the book very much and would like another similar. Richard Kent

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a Sharpe addict and have thoroughly enjoyed all the dvds and books. Thanks so much. I especially like Harper. I, however, am somewhat sad about the way you portray Catholicism, but this has not dimished my enjoyment or love for this series. Please keep going. You have a rare talent. Fr. Brian Mullady

I know one should not judge a book by its cover BUT in 1963 as a school prize I chose Michael Glover's "Wellington's Peninsular Victories" published by Batsford. Imagine my surprise when I saw Sharpes Fury with exactly the same dust jacket. My treasured copy of WPV does not say what the picture is of but gives details of the painter who was a French officer. Now as well as my intention to visit the Peninsular battle fields I have to track the painting down. Keep up the good work------ I have not yet finished Fury but have enjoyed it so far. Regards Mike

Thanks for bringing Rifleman Dodd back to life in Sharpe's Escape. I was raised on C S Forester and next to the original Hornblower trilogy Rifleman Dodd and the Gun were my favorite stories as a pre-teen. Each book you write is better than the one before!! keep it up! Richard Stephens

Thank you so much for your work. I can truly say that you have provided me with much joy and an interest in english history that I never felt. You are a great writer and I truly enjoy your work. Best Regards, George Miller

Dear Bernard, I was completely hooked when I was given a copy of The Winter King as a gift. I have since read almost every other book you have published solo and am about to begin the Saxon Stories (Although I was very pleased to find Sharpe's Fury and will slip that one in there). I would like to echo the complimentary comments of everyone who's questions/comments I read on the "your questions" page. I am constantly surprised at how much I enjoy and become attached to each new series and character when, before I open the book, I swear that the last was the greatest. I must admit, however, that the Arthur Books are my favorite by a decent bit. It is a subject and story that I am exceedingly interested in, so I have read many books centered around it. I can't tell you how refreshing it was to read your books which approach the story from an entirely new perspective and portray Arthur as man, not just a legend. I know you hear this from nearly everyone, but I can't help adding my voice to the chorus in asking you to consider a movie trilogy. Perhaps, recent frustrations you've had with movie and TV adaptations are a result of a bad fit with the studio/director/producers? I have to think that after the huge success here in the U.S. (and I'm sure beyond) of movies like Braveheart and The Lord of the Rings trilogy the U.S. audience is ready for an epic trinity re-telling the Arthurian legend in a wholly new way. I'm holding out hope that one day someone in the backwards world of Hollywood will see the value in putting these stories to film (though I do agree with you that the majority of Hollywood's attempts have been atrocious). I am guessing that, as a 27 year old recent college graduate and football player who spent more years traveling and snowboarding around the world on a dime than the four at university, and who is currently employed as an urban planner in Phoenix, Arizona, I am not what one would describe as your main demographic. However, I assure you that I am the demographic (as well as those younger than myself) for that type of movie. I have recommended many of (and even painfully parted with a few of) your books to numerous friends and have had nothing but heartfelt thanks in return. I'm confident you are more than capable of seeing your books made into movies, but would like to offer any help I might be, as I have more than a few contacts in that silly sunny city on the California coast (please excuse the hideously prideful tone of that statement - I only make it in a plea to eventually sit in a theatre and watch these books come alive in the magnificent way that I think they could). I appreciate you taking the time to read my comments, wish you the greatest success, and look forward to reading your work for years to come. Sincerely, Nick Labadie

You recently said " Times move, and we change, and religion dies in the light of knowledge. All religion is based on miracles, but to my knowledge no miracle has ever been proved." I can give you no examples of a miracle witnessed in my life...unless it is my life itself transformed from selfish and wasteful to committed and other centered. I believed on faith and the faith transformed my life. I see a big difference between Christianity and Islam. The evil Imam in Australia telling women they are raped because they don't wear a headscarf. The great sheikh ordering skyscrapers toppled. There is evil in the world and there is good. I thank God everyday I was raised in a Christian home. I was able to return to the Church as I matured. I respect and honor you Bernard, but there are things you can learn about Christianity and its place in the world. It is the hope for the future. You say you don't know Richard Sharpes fate post 1820, but there is hope for him just like there was hope for that great sinner Paul on the road to Demascus. Bob Long

Hi, Bernard, i wrote a message some days a go, and honestly i thought you wouldnt answer it, but you did. I'm writting again to say that in my opnion you will be just like Tolkien, you will die and some years after your book will be movies, and than you will win some oscars, I'm very happy to see that you read your messages and much more happy to see that you answer a fan that is so far away .... thank you again for your wonderful books, and sorry for my english, Diego Aguiar - Campo Grande - Mato Grosso do Sul - BRASIL

I just discovered you and your booksa few months ago. Since then, I have been reading, uninterrupted and in order, the advetures of Richard Sharpe and am right now watching as the French move towards the crossroads at Quatre Bras and on to Waterloo. I've learned a lot, and wanted to thank you for creating such an enjoyable series of novels with such rich characters. I will definitely read more related non-fiction when I complete the series, and I look forward to reading your other books as well. Thanks again. Darrell Dobresk

I just finished reading "Sharpe's Fury and enjoyed it very much. I have read several other books of yours and enjoyed them also. It is a wonder that the British did as well as they did with their armies if they had so many officers that were not very good. Of course, one can win if the enemy is even stupider. That may be the way the U.S. has been able to win in the past. Not too good at winning lately, though. Korea, Vietnam, and maybe be now Iraq and even Afghanistan. But we may lose in the voting booth what we do not lose on the ground-again. Donald W. Bales