Bulletin Board

After hearing you on Melbourne Radio (RRR) I was impressed by what you said about Arthur, So I read the 3 books, I have read a great deal on the subject fact and fiction but I must say yours was the best. well done, a great read. John

Hello Bernard, I need to ask you a favour, if you ever discover the secret to immortality can you send me the secret, I can't think of a better way to spend eternity reading all the books you would be able to write and if immortality won't work then I hope they have word processors where ever you end up so you will have to put in a good word for me so that I can follow you either up or down, Regards Philip

With reference to the Arthur series and the legend of Sagramor, you may be interested in this site which tells of a unit of Roman Auxillaries from modern day Morroco statoned at Hadrians wall at Aballava, modern day Burgh-by-Sands with evidence that some married, had children and stayed behind in Britian although DNA has been diluted too much to find. http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/roots/2003/10/blackhistoryromans.shtml. Peter Brown

Hey Bernard, I had a concern regarding the Sharpe novels. I just started reading them December last year, and I am currently readying Sharpe's Company. I do not know if this is an error, or just a mis-interpretation, but there is a flaw in the consistancy. I believe Sharpe killed (or at least attempted to) Hakeswill during the end of Sharpe's Fortress. However, in these older books (I realize you went back and wrote several prequels this is why I believe in a simple flaw) Sharpe acts as if he has not gotten his chance to hurt/maim Hakeswill. The flaw comes into play because chronologically, Sharpe has gotten his chance to kill Hakeswill, meaning that he would act as if he believes Hakeswill is dead when talking to Teresa, instead he acts as if he has not gotten a chance, and still believes he is alive. I would also like to point out something else I have seen. Also in Company, Sharpe talks about his lashes and he says he recieved them from a flogging after he tried to prevent Hakeswill from beating a soldier to death. If you remember, in Sharpe's Tiger, Sharpe was lashed for hitting Hakeswill. That is pretty much all, other than these small errors (which affect the book by the slightest of margins) I immensely enjoy your writings. Keep it up. Dalton King

In Sharpes gold you said Tom Garrard and Sharpe were Sergeants together when they were privates and Tom was still a Private when Sharpe became an Ensign. Chris

I am a chef in England (Devon) and have just starting reading the Sharpe books and would just like to say thankyou. As a chef my job is very stressfull and I find your books very relaxing after a 12hr shift so once more thank you very much. Carl Thompson

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I'm a old time retired NYC firefighter who enjoys your writing. Youe retirement is secure because I'm heading for the poor house buying and reading your books. I think I have read most of them except the Sharp books. I only read Sharpes Tiger. I'm kind of sorry I discovered you because I read all day and into the night. My eyesight is deteriorating and I'm losing weight. My wife of 48 years is not very understanding suggesting that she must be very boring. It's not that she is boring but that your books are most interesting and I can't seem to put them down. In any case your old age is secure because as long as you write I shall support you. I know you do not want advice but I shall give you some anyway. I will cease my support to your old age if the Starbuck series is not continued. There is still half a war to fight and I have to know how he fares. Take care and thanks for some of the best reading I have ever experienced. Heres to you and all the books still to come. Joe D'Albert

Three comments. 1. I think it would be a mistake to continue the saga of Thomas of Hookton; the ending of Heretic is the perfect end to the trials and tribulations of Thomas (I enjoyed Sharpe's Devil but I think Sharpe would have been just as happy to stay in retirement and I hope the same for Thomas). 2. The Norman Conquest, surely you have a trilogy in the works for the last succesful invasion of Britain. 3. The Starbuck Chronicles. As a true-blue Yankee and abolitionist, I just cannot enjoy a story in which the protagonist is fighting for the cause of secession and enslavement. Let's just shoot the Johnny Reb bastard and start fresh with a real hero from the right side of the War. Alex Gregory

Dear Bernard, thankyou for the answear to my question regarding the TV series you presented. I'll look out for that on the History channel. Enjoy your visit to New Zealand, my home even though I have lived in the UK for 20 odd (some very odd!) years now. If you have the time in NZ take a look at the battlfield areas (in the bush!) and small graveyards that are just north of Lake Taupo in the central North Island. Quite fascinating places if you you can get to see them. Great fishing in the lakes and rivers around there as well. all in all the Maori wars are an interesting (if little known) period of British military history. A period where the British troops really got a run for their money, trenchware and all ..and that was in the mid 1800's! Regards, Robert

Hello Bernard. When I was a boy, forty years ago, we had a book called think "People of Britain". One chapter was on Alfred and the most memorable part, including an illustration of Saxons wielding battle-axes, was the capture of the Raven Banner. That image has stayed with me and was rekindled as I have just read your account of Uhtred's fight with Ubba. It was always, for me, one of the greatest moments in English history; the capture of the banner whose wing's flapped as they went into battle. The Raven Banner. David Williams

You are a very very great writer.
Sharron Nettles