Bulletin Board

Hi, Bernard! I saw you interviewed as part of the making of Sharpe's Challenge on BBC America and you were great. It was a real treat for me and I'm so glad you are doing so well. This is just a friendly "hello" from down south. Take care. Best, Sari

Hey! I'm probably going to handwrite a proper letter for you to physically hold and (hopefully) read within the next couple of months, or even possibly earlier, so I'll try and keep this relatively short and sweet and keep what I find important till the day I post it. First of all, at this present moment, I'm around halfway through Sharpe's Tiger (first book I've tried reading by you) , and it's pretty good, I'm enjoying it. So I gotta say I'm a little frustrated by the fact that none of your touring dates include where I live... Scotland! Maybe if you ever do arrive I'll be able to briefly meet you and get an autograph or something. Whatever the hell, so long as I get to say I managed to even catch a glimpse of Bernard Cornwell. Anyway, uh... Carry on? Cheers! Vince

In your answer to my question of August 16th about the Baker Rifle you asked me for the name of the article: The Article was "Britain's Brunswick Rifle," by Garry James in the September 2006 edition of Guns and Ammo magazine. I quote Re: The Baker Rifle " With its slow twist (one quarter turn in 30 inches) and rather shallow rifling, the short Germanic-looking Baker had been designed with as much concern for ease of loading as for accuracy. It was at least a better group-getter than the smoothbore Brown Bess out to 100 yards, but anything past that was pretty much touch and go. Also as designer Ezekiel Baker was a buddy of the Prince of Wales, he had something of an inside track on getting his arm tested and adopted. By the mid-1830's , however, stores of Bakers were running low, and the 40 year old flintlock was beginning to show its age. Officers of the rifle regiments to whom they were issued complained that a new gun was sorely needed. Rifles on the Continent were outstripping the Baker in long-range accuracy, and the emergence of the percussion system had rendered the flintlock obsolete.
Bob Long

Just thought you'd like to know that "Sharpe's Fury" is on the shelf today (8/22) in the downtown Boston Borders. Nancy Nemon

Your time is precious, and I do not anticipate a reply. But here's a note just to say "Thank you" for your novels. I never tire of reading them. You have a wonderful gift of telling a yarn, and I hope you will do so for many years to come. I, and many of my friends here in Canada rspect and thoroughly enjoy your work. Huzzah! Ray Hobbs

Dear Bernard I have just spent two relaxing weeks in the Vendee in France on holiday and read both The Last Kingdom and The Pale Horseman. I could not put them down - my son who is 11 and really into Sharpe and all things historical also picked up The Last Kingdom and loved it. They are brilliant - can't wait to read Lords of the North. Thanks again Patrick Neal Mirfield, West Yorkshire

Having read quite a bit of your "Your Questions" section, I realize that you receive about a metric ton (if one could weigh email) of mail just about every day. I just want to tell you that I have now read just about every one of your books that I can get my hands on (buy, beg, borrow, or steal!). I have yet to read the Stonehenge book, or the Gallows Thief series, but having only begun reading your books a year ago, I'd say I've done about as much as humanly possible! Anyway, to the point of my letter: thank-you so much for the hours and hours (and hours) or reading enjoyment. Your Holy Grail series got me hooked and ever since then I have had an insatiable appetite for Sharpe, King Arthur, and of course Vikings! Aside from the endless bloodshed and historical accuracy (which as a student of history, I crave) I want to tell you that your books have even once brought me to tears and that is certainly a telling sign that I was gripped fully in the claws of your wonderful book. Although I am beside myself with anticipation for the next book in the Viking series, I will wait patiently for the next book, I'm sure it will be worth the wait. Cheers, Second Lieutenant Matt Cochrane, Canada

Well, I just finished listening to The Pale Horseman audio CD and I just want to tell you that Tom Sellwood is fantastic as the narrator. Your books are always great reads, but when Mr Sellwood reads it to you, he takes you to that place. A fantastic voice. please use him in your furture audio books. I would love to hear him do one of the Sharpe books. David Aldinger

Just love Bernard's books, especially the new stories about Uthred, but Sharpe will always be a bit special. Miranda Brickley

I am only two thirds through the book, but I have just got to say that The Winter King is one of the best books I have ever "read." I find myself looking at old maps in an effort to picture the events. John Hunter