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As a Primary School headteacher I suppose I ought to be the kind who reads lots of books, and who commands a great knowledge of litereary giants of the last 20 years or so! OOOPPS!! If that's a pre-requisite I'm afraid I am sadly lacking and should tender my resignation now!! However, in the last 3 yeras I can put my hand up and say I have read three wonderful books, just the three!!, that have captivated me throughout and had me flicking back and forth to find out what might happen, much to the annoyance of my wife:- a seasoned reader who insists you must read every page in the order written and not jump on!! It's lucky I have read them considering my record of reading but nevertheless the 3 Saxon series books have been excellent. I don't know what it is about that era, maybe i have Saxon or Viking blood being from Yorkshire like, but the stories were so vivid, especially The Lords of the North with all the local links!! I congratulate you on the standard of detail and excitement you bring to the stories, something that so few books have in my eyes, and which has resulted in me only 'properly' reading 3 in the last 3 years!! One year between novels is a long time. I do hope the next one isn't too long in coming! Meanwhile, maybe I could start writing a screenplay for the books.....it would be brilliant on TV!!! Mark Ford

Hi! I know you must get thousands or even millions of these emails, but it needs to be said that I love your books. My only complaint is that there are too many and I can't read them fast enough! I started 'Sharpe's Company' on Monday and finished it yesterday (which for me is very quick) and am looking forward to buying 'Sharpe's Sword' later today. You must be getting bored with all these emails and letters saying exactly the same thing over and over again, and I apologize for that, but as I said before - it needs to be said.
Rhys

Dear Mr. Cornwell; I never write fan mail. But I shall make one exception. I was about to take a long trip by car and as a whim, picked up the audio book version of "Sharpe's Fortress". I do enjoy historical non-fiction, but have not really focused on much historical fiction in the past. Sharpe's Fortress is the first and only book of yours I have read (heard), to this point. To say I was thrilled with your literary skill would be an understatement. While driving I almost missed an exit, I was that absorbed. I know I shall now pick up your other books in the series and you have risen to the top of my authors list. Why is it that English authors simply are the best? Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, G.B. Shaw, and even the dry wit of Douglas Brown and Terry Pratchett--two of my favorite authors--just simply can't be matched! And may I add kudos to the narrator. His command of the Indian dialects, Scottish, Cockney, and the high English were wonderful. Your book(s) are a marvelous blend of history, ambiance, character, and action. I could see Dodd, Wellesley, Torrance, Hakeswill, and of course Sharpe through your excellent narrative. Well done, and thank you sir. I look forward to many more hours with these characters. Garth Aamodt

Hello, This isn't a question but more of a fan letter and a thank you, especially for the Warlord Trilogy. I read all of the trilogy and when working in Korea, as an animation supervisor, I introduced some friends to the series, as they did me, to other books and authors...I must say that the Warlord Trilogy infected us with a zeal other books did not. When I got the unabridged book tape of the series, read excellently by the actor Edmund Dehn, they were passed around until they wore out. working as we do, it was fabulous to have these stories read to us as we checked scenes and re-drew animation. The last book, Excalibur, was heartbreaking. No matter how many times read or listened to. It is a story who's characters come alive for the reader or listener and to lose them at the end, the very fact of having finished the book, is wrenching. So it was with some interest that I read that this series was your personal favourite..that and your admiration for George Macdonald Fraser (another favourite of the ex-pat animation lads in Korea), prompted me to write this to you, since, indeed, although the Warlord Trilogy is a favourite, all your books have brought pleasure and joy. Thank you very much. Simon.

hi, I have just read your latest books about the vikings . thank you very much for 3 excellent reads. they are that good Iwant to start re-reading .best wishes,
George Blackburn

Sharpes Waterloo is without a doubt my favorite book of the series. I watched the TV mini series segment but was a little disappointed in it's scope. I think you should take Waterloo and turn it into a movie using Sharpe (played by Sean Bean of course) as the central figure. Of all the Sharpe's books Waterloo and maybe Trafalgar would b well recieved as they are the two most recognizable battles. I have watched the 1970 Waterloo and thought that was damn good as well as Gettysburgh. I think Sharpe's Waterloo or even Trafalgar would make a much better film than Master and Commander.
Marty Smale

Good day Mr Cornwell, Just wanted to say 2 things. 1. Can't wait for Sharpe's Fury. 2. Congratulations on the OBE, a well deserved recognition of the brilliance of your writing....just don't stop now. Also, have a nice day when you visit the Palace. Darryl Haines

Dear Mr. Cornwell Love the Sharpe series very much - am so pleased that they continue! The Saxon Stories have been amazing - I can't wait to read The Lords of the North! Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your gift for tale telling with readers like me. I truly appreciate the hours of pleasure (and education!) you have given me. Sincerely Susan Swann

last year I discovered the first book in your Saxon 'trilogy'. It was hard to put down. Have been waiting patiently since then for the follow-up. In the mean-time I made do with Stonehenge and the Arthur & Grail series. I have now just pruchased the 2nd Saxon book. Thankfully I was on vacation last week as I just could not put the book down. Having been born in Chippenham the 2nd novel is of particular interest. Thank you so much. I now eagerly await the paperback version of the 3rd book. (In fact I may not be able to wait!) And I am so pleased to have learnt on your website that there will be more novels to follow. Thank you again and keep up the good work. Martin Beint

hi Bernard, just reading The Last Kingdom and have seen Lords of the North in the shops so I had to check your website for the title of the second book. I don't think I can ever forgive my history teachers at grammar school for making the subject so boring, all I remember is dates, dates, dates!!! if only they had given me one of your books to read then i wouldn't have been in such a hurry to get outside and play football! well, I'm certainly making up for lost time now! thanks for taking the time to read this. regards.......Jim {western australia ]