Bulletin Board

As a fan and a Rayleigh resident (Crown Hill) I am interested in your local connections - you presumably didn't keep in touch with your adoptive family, but would be interested to know if you maintain any contact with this neck of the woods. thanks a lot. keep up the good work. Dee

Having started the Sharpe books, albeit in almost reverse order (Copenhagen, Escape, Havoc!), and on which I congratulate you, I am slightly miffed to see that you only refer to Julian Paget's work as your major historical source. I would like to think that you also referred to the works of my late uncle the historian Michael Glover who was quite prolific in the eighties on the subject of Wellington and the Peninsular War - details of his books can be found at www.menchenbooks.com Anyway, I am glad to have found a land-based version of my maritime hero Patrick O'Brian in place of the awful Alan Mallinson! Christopher Glover.

I've just finished reading all the Richard Sharpe novels our local library has at about the rate of two per day. They've only about four more of your other novels, so I shall probably have to contribute to your income soon. I just wanted to write and let you know how much I appreciate your work, and also to suggest that if you ever happen to write a sequel to The Gallows Thief it would be a very good idea. Rachel Brune

Just a quick note to say how much I loved your Arthurian chronicles. I don't think I've ever been so enthralled by a book before as I was by these three. They've become the most well-worn books in my collection (I had to buy another copy of "The Winter King" to replace one that wore out from use!) I don't think I can adequately describe my feelings for the books except to say that you're the first author I've read who really and truly touched the Pagan elements of Arthurian myths in a novel form (Marion Zimmer Bradley tried but failed miserably). For me, the books read like a movie - stunning visuals, breathtaking battles, riveting plot. Whenever I'm in need of a great escape I pick up one of your novels and in a few short moments I feel drawn away into another world. THANK YOU! I've read all your other books and feel the same, too...though it was awful waiting between Harlequin and Vagabond! Thanks for being such an incredbly imaginative storyteller! -Mel

Please can you advise me when Mr Cornwell will be signing books in the UK. I live in Wiltshire, so please let me know if any are planned in that area. many thanks. Mrs N Wright

Dear Mr. Cornwell, From what you say on your website, you have no intention of writing one of your sailing thrillers in the near future mainly because you enjoy writing the historicals much more. I do entirely understand this. But, I am now asking you most fervently to please change your mind and write another. Quite possibly I am asking this of you, and quite selfishly I know, because I love the way you describe the sailing life and the suspense you write about is uniquely genuine and lovely. And then, I also write with this plea in hopes that if the requests for a new thriller have lessened in number lately that you will know that there is at least one more person out here that truly wishes to read just one more of your wonderful writings in this genre. But, even if you never do write another, I want to say thank you for so many entirely glorious hours you have given me with all of your books. It is because of authors like you that readers like me wish we could create something in our lifetimes that would be nearly as wonderful! Thank you again. And again!! A devout fan, Michael Morris Muskegon, Michigan USA

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I've just finished Mark Urban's 'Rifles'. It only served to bring your books to life even more than before; what particularly struck me was a moving account of how a wounded Sergeant Fairfoot saved the life of Lieutenant George Simmons at Waterloo. Fairfoot had tears running down his face as he attempted to rescue the apparently mortally wounded Simmons. Their friendship had transcended the boundaries of rank, and it was hard not to be reminded strongly of Sharpe and Harper. The book was full of events and anecdotes that every Sharpe fan could nod at, be it the harsh discipline of the British Army, the expertise of the Rifles and the sheer bloody brilliance of Wellington's army. I daresay your research for Sharpe has included the Rifles archives and does it show! Thanks again.

No reply necessary. I just wanted to say that I have just finished the gallows thief and loved it. I am a big fan of Deryn Lake who writes about the same period. Having worked in so many different party of the fabulous city of london, including the law courts at the old baily and royal courts of justice, I absolutely love having the history of those streets I know so well, brought to life. I shall read a Crowning Mercy now which I think is similar and will look out for any more of these from you. Many thanks for a really enjoyable read. Katie Dick

I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed your Arthur trilogy, Nathanial Starbuck chronicles, the grail trilogy, Gallows Thief, Stonehenge and have Redcoat sitting on my coffee table to read. I never thought the type of books you write would so deeply suck me in, but, alas, they have. I eventually will read the Sharpe series. I'm a Robert Silverberg fan and these books, all of which I discovered and read this year, are a nice fresh retreat from my norm. Thank you. Douglas Bricker

Mr Cornwell: I was present last evening, Tues., for your chat and book signing at the Carriage House. It was a true pleasure to listen to your explanation of the evolution the Sharpe series. Your wit and humour, somewhat Python-esk to me at least, was refreshing and entertaining. Not to mention it was an honour to meet you. Thank you again for not only Sharpe and The Warlord Chronicles, but for all of your other books as well. Slainte Thom Walters