Bernard, Congratulations on the OBE honors, well deserved. One of my favorite books is Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It is long, over 400,000 words or almost 1000 pages in paperback. I considerate it an epic and have read it several times (as I have done with your Grail Quest series). Have you ever considered writing longer books? I am always disappointed when I finish one of your books, not due to the content but because I have to wait until the next in the series is published. I have just finished The Last Kingdom and Pale Horseman and am eagerly waiting for the release of Lords of the North here in the States. Take away the business aspects of more books may mean more sales. Is the creative process more difficult and do you need to take a break?

Also, nice letter to the editors of Military History magazine. Interesting fact on Benedict Arnold is that in the Old Cadet Chapel at West Point is a plaque commemorating all of the Revolutionary War generals. Benedict Arnold’s name and date of death (but not his rank or date of birth) have been rubbed off over time. Again, congratulations and best wishes. Regards, Jeff