Bulletin Board

Hi Mr. Cornwell. I have a fear in the depths of my heart that you're slowing down. 2006 is going to be the second year in a row that we've only gotten one new book from you. I realize that how much you write is your business and wouldn't dream of rushing you, but still, we were raised on two Cornwell novels a year, and it's a little hard to adjust. Anyway, I hope that this is just a sort of working sabbatical for you, and that soon you'll return to your former output. Alan Kempner

My 15 year old son and I have been thoroughly enjoying the Sharpe series--we have now read most of them. A minor quibble: "Prey" (1807) and "Havoc" (1809) both refer to "guineas. The golden horsemen of Saint George." Guineas of George III had shield reverses and would have been coin of the Realm at the time. The sovereign issue with St. George and the dragon did not begin until 1817. The story of the gold penny of Coenwulf that went through a London sale room last year suggests an historic tale of a newly discovered significance of London in that relatively brief period when the Mercian kingdom controlled much of England. British history and British numismatics long ago moved from an avocation to a loved vocation for me. Allan Davisson

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I was a late comer to your Sharpe series and the Starbuck Chronicles. I have now read or listened to all of them as well as just about everything else you've written. You are the best historical fiction writer of our day, and I say this as the author of 22 non-fiction books, a long-time magazine/newsletter editor, and a long-time freelancer AND the reader of thousands of mysteries, thrillers, and historical novels. I write to put my 2 cents in for more Starbuck books. I don't know how an Englishman has been able to grasp the essence of the Rebel experience as well as you have, but we are blessed that you have. I am from Atlanta and I know, from my own soul stirrings and Southern history, that there is something unique about the Civil War experience in our Southern and national pysche that most people in the North do not understand. Your Nathan Starbuck character has captured that psyche perfectly. So, when Utred regains Babbenburg and Alfred tosses out the Danes, please return to Starbuck. I can't wait to see how he influences the bBattles leading up to Gettysburg. He would have a heck of a time in the Wilderness campaign and he could be very influential around the death of Stonewall Jackson at Chancellorsville. Frankly, when Stonewall Jackson was shot, the South lost the War. Lee knew it in his heart. Longstreet couldn't carry the Confederate army forward on his shoulders with Lee as Jackson could as Longstreet didn't believe in an offensive war. Robert Perry

I'm sorry to say this on a kind of Sharpe site,but it was the only site I could find to contact Mr. Cornwell. I was wondering if you're going to right any more Starbuck Chronicles books? I really love that series. Hope they make a movie of those books. Lee

Dear Mr. Cornwell I have enjoyed all of your books. In all of the different series, and look foreward the next book are doing. And I really look foreward to reading a new Starbuck Chronicles. I know that he is on vac. but it's time to get back to the Civil War the south needs him. But if it's not time I'll keep on reading everything that you write. Yours Bill Turner

In reply to Brandons post dated 12 july in regards to the battle of Chippwea I can very much reccomend Donald Graves (Arguably the best historian on that war) Redcoats and Greyjackets which is an excellent work on the battle. Though sadly Riall's famous saying was probably not said. The first known recording of that was Winfield Scott's memoirs in 1864. And he would have done it so distinguish his men from the Militia whom he despised. For a good overview of the whole war I can reccomend J.C Hitsmans The Incredible War of 1812. Geraint

first, my congratulations for your work !! second,a small correction == thesaurus is NOT latin, but greek ! 2,700 years ago there were athens,dilos,etc thesaurus at delphi=one can still today see them !!== valuable religious monuments. even today thesaurus is used by the greeks with exactly the same meaning !! gamargaritis

Hi there I guess you get a lot of these, but I just wanted to join the queue... I have to confess it was the sight of Sean Bean running around all sweaty and covered in blood that got me interested.. but after that I have to say that I just love your books.. the Sharpe books enthrall me and have created a great fascination with that part of history.. something the teachers at school failed to do. The Arthur Trilogy were glued to my hands until I had finished them.... and I only let go of them then so that my partner could read them... My father has also become an avid reader too.. tho I have to confess that many a time I bought him another of your titles for Father's day on the basis that I could borrow it... Please.. never stop writing.. particularly the Sharpe books... I realise that's a tall order but pease do your best *wink* Thank you so much for hours of pleasure... Love and light Heather

Dear Bernard, Many thanks for "The Last Kingdom". I just finished it (within about 3 days) and I think it is your best yet, though I cannot claim to have read every one of your books. It has all your usual pace, historical accuracy and admixture of joy and anguish, but for me this had something extra special. I very much look forward to reading the sequel. May the brew of Kvasir continue to inspire you! Kind regards, Chris

Mr Cornwell I have just finished reading "The Last Kingdom", and like most of your non-sharpe novels, have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It caters very nicely for my love of history and a good yarn. I particularly like your description of battles and other action scenes. I was especially interested to read this book as I live not far from Poole and Wareham, and have meant to do a bit more reading of the history of this area. I moved here 20 years ago - so I'm running out of excuses. Hopefully you've acted as a catalyst. There is a "but" coming - there always is! If I have a criticism, it would be your rather cursory handling of the romance between our hero and Mildrith. In plain speaking terms there wasn't enough sex. I dont mean of the gratuitous variety, but more the intimacy and tenderness they must have felt for eachother. When our hero misses her whilst in captivity, I dont quite empathise enough. I havent experienced some of the love you tell us he feels. Its easy for me to imagine that she is just one of a line of conquests he intends to have, and I dont think thats the feeling you are trying to convey. Please take no offense of my unworthy opinion. It was an excellent read, and I'm looking forward to the next instalment. All power to your right arm. Best Wishes Alan Bulloch

Hi just a quick note to say how much we enjoy your books! When I met my partner in 1998 he already had all of the Sharpe books up to that point, and the thrillers, and Starbuck Chronicles, and as I travelled abroad a lot I bought the Arthurian Chroncles at airports. Since then we have bought everyone of your books we've seen and have all the books mentioned on your site. I've just started The Last Kingdom, and I'm very glad to hear that The Pale Horseman is coming out soon. Thank you very much, for your books! (We are both historians and love them) P.s. we are trying to save for a Cornish Shrimper, and loved the picture of your boat on the website. Yours SJ Howitt & W. Morrell

Dear Mr Cornwell

I want to thank you for writing the books you do. You are the only author I
know that will never let me down. Each book that I purchase of yours is
amazing. I am sure that you hear this a lot but thank you.

Sincerely

Matthew Bayliss