Bulletin Board

I live in Beloit, Wisconsin, am 46, married to a beautiful and wonderful woman and currently enjoying our 2 year old granddaughter. I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed reading the Arthurian books. I found a copy of the "Enemy of God" in our local Library and then bought the book for my library I then searched and found a copy of "The Winter King" and devoured the book even quicker. Just shortly after "Excalibur" came out and I found myself again following Arthur's fight against the Saxons as told by Derfel. I have just recently purchased the last two books of the Grail Quest and I'm in search of the first one. I am currently getting through Diana Gabaldon's book"Drums of Autumn", as I like a lot of variety. I am also reading "The Master of Rain" by Tom Bradby. Once done with these two it will be on to the Grail Quest series. Again my appreciation for such excellent novels on one of my favorite subjects, Arthur. Faithfully, Martin Scott

Just finished Sharpe's Escape. It was great, the escapade in the sewer was priceless. Sharpe's wit made me imagine Mel Gibson playing Sharpe in a movie of this book. Love your books. yours truly, Sherwood Perkins

Just a note to say thank you for the enjoyment your work has given me. I'm actually a listener more than a reader. I came across my first Sharpe book on audio tape. Since then I've been following Sharpe's career in a variety of settings. One of note is standing night watches on passages. Seems that you and I get similar enjoyment from sailing. The stories are great to listen to with nothing to accompany me but the stars and moon. And now I've found your "thrillers." I'm working through "Killer's Wake," right now. The big boat is out of the water and the small ones come out in two weeks, so it's not likely to be heard on the water. I understand that you're living in New England. We're originally from Boston's north shore. We have a place on the barrier beach in Chatham, on Cape Cod. Now, however we're in Minnesota. Strangely enough, we found one of the most active racing clubs in the country. Adult racing is 3 days a week. Thursday nights are the big nights with more than 130 boats competing in 11 fleets with 7 starts. At any rate, I found your web site and I'm taking the opportunity to say "thank you." It's something we don't say often enough to the people who give us pleasure in our lives. With my regards, Robb Harriss

I'm a bookseller in the San Francisco Bay area, and a longtime fan of your Sharpe books, but for one reason or another, I could not summon the same level of enthusiasm for the Arthur books or the Grail Quest. Some books you connect with, some you don't. I've just finished reading a pre-publication copy of "The Last Kingdom" (perhaps the only perk of selling books) and I enjoyed it immensely. As did my wife, another Sharpe fan. The non-Sharpe books I mention above seem constrained in some way that I cannot define. Not so here - you have room to spread out, as you do in Sharpe - not that I'm sure what I mean by that. I know Kingdom will do well, and my only complaint is that now I've a long wait for the next one. Best regards, Phil Spiro

Mr. Cornwell, I just finished reading 'Sharpe's Escape", and as usual, it took me about 1/2 the time I normally need to read a book. That is obviously a function of how much I enjoy your work. In addition to the entertainment value of the series, I find them most informative from an historical perspective. While it is not particularly important to me, I commend you for acknowledging the parts where you need to digress from actual facts. Keep up the good work! Jim C.

In "Heretic", Thomas provides a lively and entertaining journey to what is---at least for this reader---the heart of the story, the sardonic l'abbe Planchard, who welds the whole matter together. The man says much in few words. It reminds me very much of Patrick O'Brian's first, and possibly his best, novel, "Testimonies". In it, Pugh's observations to Bronwen about the dilemma we face are equally omniscient and chaste. For some of us, Heretic will be more about today than about the middle of the fifteenth century, or the end of World War II. As the past, the story is fanciful and entertaining. As the present, it is foreboding and troublesome, but in a refreshingly welcome way. It is an excellent tale and I look forward to more. Joel Stooky

Continuing the suggestions on reading material regarding Alexander the Great for Jack McCarthy, I would suggest Mary Renault's trilogy (Fire From Heaven, The Persian Boy, Funeral Games). It captures in a very readable and informative way Alexander's life, exploits and the consequences of his untimely death. It does not shy from provoking the reader (regarding Alexander's sexuality amongst other things) but does not use modern morals to pass judgement on an ancient hero. Ciaran Norris

Dear Bernard, Thankyou so much for all the pleasure you have given me over the years. I have read the Sharpe novels at least three times and find more enjoyment each time! I am pleased to say I met you at Waterstones in Sheffield when you signed my copy of Sharpe's Tiger ( a very treasured possession). I said at the time I would love to fight along side Harper and still would love to, we would make a good pair, I'm 6' 4'' and getting heavier! I have enjoyed all your works and am looking forward to the new adventures just starting with the brand new hero. I must say that your books have been a catalyst for further enjoyable study into the various times in history you write about. Thanks again for all the pleasure, you'll get a great welcome next time you come to Derbyshire. Kind regards Andrew Hitchman

Bernard, I noticed an inquiry for similarly satifying reading for the World War II genre. I must agree that W.E.B. Griffin is a great choice. In fact, your books and Griffin's are my favorite fictions. I have read both of you over and over. Thank you for the wonderful writing. Phil

Mr. Cornwell, I've just finished my second go-round on the Sharpe books. I completed my first as you did in the 80's and 90's avidly waiting for each new one. When you began writing about the "India" years, I started again and followed Sharpe all the way to Waterloo. I even read a book on the battle just prior to reading your book to understand "Sharpe's role" better. I compliment you on a great series. Perhaps I'll only wait 10 years to read them again next time. Now then, since I have all this free time on my hands, why don't you finish the Starbuck Chronicles? I avidly await the next. Thank you for an entertaining and educational time. Glenn Ross