Bulletin Board

Mr. Cornwell, The movie Master and Commander led me to Patrick O'Brian. After reading all of his books, I was looking for something new and found the Sharpe series. I thought it might be interesting to read what was going on with the British Army during the same time period. So now I have read all the Sharpe series(and am going tomorrow to buy Fury), and then I went on to your other books... the Grail quest books, Gallows Thief and half an hour ago I finished the Starbuck books. I really enjoy your writing and I am looking forward to reading the Arthur and Saxon books. I just wanted to say thank you. I really enjoy your writing and recommend you to my friends and co-workers. Thank you. Derek

Dear Bernard, Thanks a lot for The Sharpe books.How did you get the feelings of a man going into action so perfect? I was a member of a unit of men who are rated by the rest of the world as the best.The 95 rifles was the equivalent in those days,selected and trained to think and act as individuals and in teams. Every one is frightend in action,but well trained and experienced men have the same reactions that you describe. You enter a hype feeling that seems to slow the action down while your reactions speed up and it almost becomes enjoyable.The fear disappears till the action is over. Sharpe then reaches for a bottle to unwind,personally it was a cigarette. I like the way you tell the truth about history,good and bad on both sides, not rewriting history for poetic liscence as they glibbly put it. For example "braveheart" who actually was Robert the Bruce and not William Wallace.Both were Norman and not Scottish. They both were opposed by Normans and not the English. Thanks for the Sharpe series. Alan

Dear Mr Cornwell, it is always with anticipation that I walk into my local bookshop in the hope of seeing a new Richard Sharpe publication.Today I was rewarded, finding Sharpe's Fury. I can now look forward to many happy hours of unbridled pleasure in the company of Mr Sharpe. Many thanks to you and him. Kindest regards and a hope that he long continues. Richard Kettlewell

hi Bernard, shame to hear you've no more sailing books planned--really enjoyed them all especially Stormchild which I've read 5 times---Tim Blackburn makes a real change as a hero---most of the others-Sharpe-Sandman-Thomas-Uhtred and Derfel are such great warrriors that you cant help but believe they will pull through no matter how tough the situation whereas with Tim he's more ordinary which makes his courage much more special--also the book always makes me want to go out in a yacht---though nowhere near Patagonia---- if you ever find you have nothing too read and fancy trying David Gemmell then I would highly recommend all his books but especially--Legend--King Beyond the Gate and Knights of Dark Renown--- thanks for taking the time to read and answer questions--not many authors do-- thanks again-Rob

Dear Bernard, I read the latest Uhtred book whilst on holiday thought it was fantastic. He seems to be a character who will be as popular as Sharpe. It amazes me that you can turn your books out at such a rate, and do not balk at the cost of buying hardback versions at the rate of 2 a year. I only wish it were 4 or 5 a year. However, I have managed to work out why there are only 2 a year published. It could be down to the fact that that you spend much your time answering emails like this. STOP DOING IT AND GET ON WITH THE WRITING!!!!! Keep up the great work. Cheers Jim

Just finished Lords of the North,and look forward to the next instalment. Best wishes Gavin Petty.

Hi, I'm a huge fan of the Sharpe series. Having seen the series on Tv as a teenager, I have read some of the boks and I am currently working through Sharpes Fury, which I'm currently hooked on. It's cool that you can continue to create new stories for Sharpe. I hopefully will be able to get this signed when you're in London. Dave

Although I enjoy reading your books immensely, you may (haha) be interested to hear that when I was confronted with the seemingly impossible task of raising my garage door lintel into position alone and unaided, I remembered "Stonehenge" and with a pile of concrete blocks, up the lintels went - 4 inches at a time. It took a while but I am indepted to you for the story. Regards Colin Naylar

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your books, especially the Starbuck Chronicles. I would like to add my voice to the rising chorus of fans who want more books featuring Capt. Rider Sandman! I read many historical mysteries but that protagonist is one of the best to come along in many years! No need to reply to this note ... spend your time WRITING BOOKS instead! Barbara Bigham

Thanks for "Sharpe's Fury" And all the rest of them also. Thomas H. Egan