Bulletin Board

Dear Sir I wish to thank you very much for giving me the ability to read fluently. What am I on about you may ask? Well, at 48 years old I was diagnosed as being dyslexic, and I had not read any books for most of my life. I enjoyed the TV series 'Sharpe' immensely and one Christmas my wife bought me the eight book series. I laughed, asking 'what good are they to me?' Well, I started to read albeit very slowly. I found that I could picture the characters in relation to the TV series, and with your writing being so visual, I began to understand what I was reading. From here I went on to college, and some years on, I went on to university where, at the age of 54, I was able to achieve a degree in English literature, and for that I will be forever grateful to you, and Sharpe. Thank you. I hope one day that I could meet you when you do a book signing. I look forward to that day. My best wishes Bob Reynolds.

A legitimate reason for reading one of your books! I'm English and moved to Denmark to get married and live two and a half years ago. I bought 'The Last Kingdom' because it was about the Danes. I've always been interested in the Vikings, sorry; 'Danes', and (having also lived in Yorkshire (near York) for 28 years) wanted to learn something of their history and their entanglement with English history as well. Books here are outrageously expensive, whilst TLK costs 6.99 in the UK, I think it was 140dkr or more here, around £14.00+. Still *gush* worth every penny. Thanks very much for a great book, and I'll keep an eye on 'Bog og Ide', for the next in the series. Steve

I have been a fan of yours since I discovered Sharpe's Gold in Wilson's bookshop in Liverpool, so long ago. I cannot find the words to express my appreciation for the years of continuing pleasure, you have given me. I must admit though, that my interest was sparked by reading the books of Alexander Kent, aka Douglas Reeman, and his works featuring Richard Bolitho, I picked up Sharpe's Gold many times before I bought it, until I became hooked on uncovering the History and events that featured in the Napoleonic Wars. The next logical step was to discover stories of the land engagements, and your books have satisfied that no end. My thanks are profound for the many years of enjoyment, I have had from Richard Sharpe and Patrick Harper. I have read many of your other books now and enjoy them immensely, but I still wait eagerly for the next Shape book to be published. Thank you for the joy and pleasure of your storytelling. here is hope that Sharpe and Harper will march for many years to come. Mark Sheridan

I have been a massive fan of yours since first reading 'The Winter King' and have read all of your releases since. Having an interest in ancient British history myself I have really appreciated the style in which you write. The great deal of thought which you obviously put into every element of your novels and the degree of research really enables the reader to transport themself into the setting of the story. I recently found a copy of 'Scoundrel' and having never heard of it made the purchase. I read the cover and was a little unsure as to whether I would really enjoy it. Once again your talent shone through and I was thoroughly engrossed. Great story, great characters. A pity that Seamus died though. I have also found your books inspiring in many ways. The 'warrior spirit' practically drips of the pages and as a Royal Marines Commando this appeals to me greatly. I now have the enjoyable task of starting my journey through all the Sharpe series. I loved the Starbuck chronicles and am sure the smell of gunpowder and the sounds of 19th century battlefields will be brought to life soon. Thankyou Sir for sharing your amazing talent. My best regards to you for further success. Graham Lovell

Just wanted to tell you how much I'm enjoying The Grail Quest. I'm an archaeologist by profession with a passion for history and archery. I'm also an associate member of the Craft Guild of British Bowyers and Fletchers. Can't wait to read more of your books. Cheers. Robert Rogers

I've been reading your Sharpe's tales since the 80's and I'm a big fan. And as much as I love Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey series, it's you books I find myself recommending far more often. Your work is so much more ... approachable. I have two nephews who are Readers today because I gave Sharpe's novels to them, but mostly because YOU wrote these wonderful books. So, thank you. I recently found a copy of "Gallows Thief" as an audiobook read by James Frain. My job requires a lot of driving and, audiobooks are my way of passing the time. Listening to "Gallows Thief" was just the most enjoyable time. Your Rider Sandman deserves another episode - in fact, a whole series! Just a wonderful since of time and society. And, James Frain did you proud Sir!
Tom O'Hara

Just a short message to say how much I enjoy reading your books. The battle scenes are so well written that you feel you are part of the shield wall or charging at the French alongside Sharpe. Long may you keep writing such quality books and thankyou. Leon Wentworth

Just wanted to point out the pending approach of the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Ticonderoga; a painful British loss, but an interesting "Cornwell" connection for you. My five-times Great Grandfather, John Cornwell, who was in the 44th Foot Regiment (Essex), arrived in the US in 1755 from Cork (where the 44th was stationed), participated in Braddock's March with George Washington, and died in the storming of Ticonderoga on July 8, 1758. His son was NY militia in the Revolution, and his grandson was a surgeon in the War of 1812. Gregory Lundberg

A question was asked on the 11 of October about a formed line defeating oncomming cavalry with the Crimean war given as an example. The nearest I have found in the peninsular war is El Bodon where Major Henry Ridge with 2/5th battalion of the Northumberland regiment attacked Montbrun's French cavalry (seven regiments!!! albeit in some disarray)while in line and threw them back and pursued them until recalled. 25 September 1811. Andrew

I just want to say please keep writing more Sharpe books, they are the best books I have ever read. To say I am hooked is a understatement. Hope to shake your hand one day. Yours, G Smith