Bulletin Board

Hi Bernard, To respond to Edward Alberts comment on use of the 'F' word by British soldiers (FAQ's posting dat 24th April). As an ex-squaddie of some 16 years service I can assure him that soldiers use the word almost as punctuation! But then one thing binds us to our predecessors and that is that the job of soldiering is a non-politically correct, full contact pursuit. It takes a certain blunt perspective. Ultimately it was to me, and I suspect most soldiers, just that. A job. I thank you for casting your characters from the same flawed and irreverent mould. Sharpes terse comments, style and confounding of authority have stood the test of time and are still alive and kicking in the military establishment. Uhtred's quick thinking on his feet and mischief (the trial and it's reasons for example) are instantly recognisable. The host of colourful support characters completes the picture. Speaking of which. Please, please, please bring Pyrlig back at some time in the future.
Stephen Navesey

thou art a scallywag!!!Enjoy your work tremendously.Sharpe is great.But I must say no one can write with the conviction that you do,about the sea,and seafaring without doing it themselves.STORMCHILD was riveting!!! C'MON YE ?!@#$%$ PIRATE!!!GIVE US MORE!!!Devoted reader BILL

I have had the opportunity to travel to the UK and France several times on business, and one of the places I have visited often is York. When I read the opening battle scene of The Last Kingdom I was absolutely hooked. I have since read Stonehenge and the first two Grail Quest books, and am almost through with the third. I am a voracious reader, and now I am a huge fan of yours. I'll probably try either the remaining Saxon Stories or the Arthur Books next, as I am fascinated by that period. Thanks for the incredibly entertaining and, I can only assume, accurate depictions of what life must have been like during those times. Bill Clemmons

Dear Bernard, I've enjoyed the Arthur Books and in particular the Saxon stories. I enjoy a well written, well researched story and I place yours in that category. Thank you so much for hours of reading pleasure. Susan Frazier

Hi Bernard, just wanted to say thankyou for all your books. I didn't read a single book untill I was 19 and mum gave me Sharpe's Prey and Devil when I went traveling. I am now 22 and I have been traveling many more times and have had all the long bus journeys filled with all your excellent characters. I am now eagerly awaiting the next saxon story whilst making my way through the Eagle series by Simon Scarrow. thanks again, Al

Of course, your books are wonderful but the best part is that my 80 year old Dad and 13 year old son love reading and discussing them. Their favorite parts - the battles of course! Finding topics that span the generations is not always easy.
Thanks! I read them too so I can be part of the conversations. Elizabeth Donahue

I'm a tyro writer having a bad day! I have read all the Sharpe books and avidly await the latest. Thanks for the pleasure and the inspiration. Your page of hints to writers is solid common sense,and very salutary, and thanks for that. I fear I have literary pretensions and an insufficient appreciation of the importance of narrative. Your bit about filleting other books is essential: I've done it with yours! I expect you know The Siege of Krishnapur by J.G. Farrell -always found that a cracking good example as well. I worked at the National Army Museum in the late 70s and used to lecture a lot about the Peninsula war: I got to fire a Brown Bess, but never,alas, a Baker! I'd better get back to what I should be writing -I do enjoy it most of the time. Thanks again, for both yr books and well-judged public profile via website, appearances etc. John Cooper

Greetings Mr. Cornwell! I have so many things to say! Mainly, a profuse THANK YOU! 1: Thank you for your storytelling! Few authors put me by the side of the characters like you do. I can taste the gunpowder and feel the kick of my Baker, or smell the cold steel and muck sweat standing in a shield wall. There's also a lot of emotion stirred up when I can empathize with what's going on in the book as a military man myself. Cavalry boots or combat boots, there's not much changed in the pit of a man's stomach or the depths of his heart in those situations, even if it's just dealing with a new command or a vindictive sergeant. 2. You inspire! How many fiction writers singlehandedly kickstart so many in an interest in history, reading, writing...your love of your "job" bleeds out and infects others. I started reading your books as a grown man, but you've certainly taught an old dog new tricks. 3. You! One would think a fellow in your situation would be a stuck up SOB! I'm not so into any other living authors as yourself, but reading through this web site, and seeing your responses, the guidance you give, and love you show about your subject in what you write here and in the books blasts out that you are a patently good guy. Semper Fi, and keep your powder dry, Donovan Borman P.S. I heard from a friend, if a fellow liked amphibious vikings and greenjacketed sharpshooters the Continental Marines are looking for a few good men (to tell a story). Donovan Borman

I had this thought about how to have two of my favorite authors cooperate in a book. (Bernard Cornwell and Dewey Lambdin) We could get Cpt Sharpe some emergency transport on CPT Alan Lewries Frigate. Then you and Dewey could alternate chapters on a certain theme. I am sure there would be some dynamic tension between these two amoral rebels....maybe General Wellington and Admiral Nelson will have to combine in a herculean effort to straighten out their respective acts. It will certainly be a further stressor on King Georges fragile sanity. Bob Long

Dear Mr Cornwell, I would just like to write to thank you for inspiring us to name our baby daughter after one of the characters in your books : A Crowning Mercy & Fallen Angels. Our daughter "Campion" was born on 02 April 2006 and she is a beautiful addition to our family. We hope she will share the same strength of character as her namesake and would like to thank you once again. Kind regards Louise, Mark, Lily & Campion xx