Bulletin Board

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I thought it proper to drop you a note simply to say that I am an avid (more likely rabid) fan. I am a history teacher by trade and I devour historical fiction. Your Sharpe Series is amazing, and I devoured it at a rate of two books per week. The Starbuck Chronicles went just as quickly. I had the opportunity to co-teach a lesson on Napoleon with my Language Arts teacher this past year in the context of the events leading up to Hugo's Les Miserables. My knowledge of the Napoleonic Wars was immeasurably supplemented by Richard Sharpe, Patrick Harper and the rest of the cast. One of my best students asked the question, "So how DID the British manage to defeat Napoleon?" After a moment of reflection, I replied that there were four main reasons why the British secured their victory: 1. Wellington's leadership 2. British naval superiority 3. British training (platoon/company volley fire vs. the French column) and bulldog tenacity 4. Baker Rifles and soldiers like Richard Sharpe. I confess that I may have overstated my points, but I hold on to them nevertheless. There is a great recent non-fiction book entitled "Wellington's Rifles" that is currently sitting someplace on my bookshelf, unread as of this note, but I had to buy it instantly upon seeing it in my local BN store. A brief examination turned into a 20 minute read in the bookstore and I have to believe that the author is a fan of yours. Thank you for countless hours of the best historical fiction ever written! I eagerly await the continuing adventures of Sharpe, Harper, Starbuck, and Truslow. I will content myself with the Arthur Books, Stonehenge, the Grail Quest, and the rest of your books in the meantime. Sincerely, Jeffrey Burdge

A

Sharpe would probably give me a clout if I said that (2) was probably the most important factor. Naval superiority meant that Britain could strangle French trade, forever threaten the flanks of French territory, and send financial and material support to France's enemies. I suppose the lesson (reinforced in WWI and II) is that if an island nation doesn't rule the seas, then someone else will rule the island, a lesson the present British government seems to think irrelevant. Ah well. I think your four points are good - and add in Britain's financial strength that kept sometimes reluctant allies in the struggle.


Q

Mr.Cornwell, I live in Bisbane, Australia and just finished 'The Last Kingdom' which I loved, loved, loved and was almost sad to finish.It was the first of your books I have read (which I came across quite by accident whilst searching for info on Alfred the Great)and now you've got me hooked. It's so much fun to read a novel set in those times. I'm getting over the text books. Thanks for a great read. (I think I'm in love with Uhtred!)from a new fan, Louise.


Q

I am a few paragraphs from finishing the Gallows Thief and was disheartened to read on your site that you've no immediate plans for a sequel. Drat. Hope you reconsider. Great yarn. Thanks much. Arlene Gray


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, The first book of yours I ever read was "Redcoat." It remains my favorite of all your books. I've since gone through the Starbuck chronicles, the Arthur series, Stonehenge, & have recently started (& am halfway to finishing) "The Archer's Tale/Harlequin" (why they change titles I have no idea). There's a wonderful store called Half Price Books where I found the 2nd & 3rd books in this series in hardcover. I am looking forward to yet another wonderful adventure. Thank you for helping me appreciate good historical fiction. Sincerely, Dorothy Long Parma


Q

Just a short note.. After being introduced to your book series by my Mother-in-law I haven't put them dowm, re-read them twice (all of them... what fun!). Wish I knew of you and your books when I was much younger... never an avid reader. Take some time off then write more about Starbuck... Wayne


Q

Mr. Cornwell: I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading your "Starbuck" series. I went through your "Frequently Asked Questions" and got my answer. Therefore, I would hasten to add: please write your 5th novel & more. Thanks. David V. Drumheller, Sr.


Q

While not reading your books which I have to admit is most of the time, I like a good detective novel. I am a fan of all the Sherlock Holmes Novels, I thought you might like to Know of a Author Named Larry Millett. His Novels on The Great Holmes are second to none. I think you would like his main Character Shadwell Rafferty, a Civil war soldier,Retired Cop,Bartender, and A-1 Detective. Your Humble Servant Dan Iburg Ret. NYPD

A

Thanks for the recommendation - we'll add it to the Reading Club page.


Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your writing. My favorite genre is historical novel. I had read all of the James Michener novels and of course felt a large void when he passed away. It just so happened that I was browsing through a bookstore when Stonehenge caught my eye. I had visited Stonehenge a couple of times and always found it to be fascinating. So of course I had to buy your book. Little did I know how much I would enjoy it and have followed up with two Sharpe books and I am now just about finished with the fourth Starbuck Chronicle. Oh how I hate for Starbuck to end for me. I don't believe that I have ever identified as closely to a character as Starbuck. In any case I just wanted let you know how quickly and enjoyably you have helped the hours pass and I look forward to reading many more of your books. Jerry Frechette Cumberland, RI USA


Q

Dear Bernard, Just ordered 'The Pale Horseman' in answer to an e-mail from Amazon. How do they know? Now will start to re-read 'The Last Kingdom' to refresh my memory. It's been a long wait but I'm sure it will be worth it. Like the new look of the site by the way. Regards Ed.


Q

Returned to your site to read the latest posts and what a surprise; a completely new look. It looks good, great graphic design and a very dynamic overall appearance to every section. I love it. Andrew Moore

A

Thanks! Glad you approve.