Bulletin Board

Mr. Cornwell, With the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar just celebrated this past day, I couldn't help but think of Richard Sharpe's role in that battle. I found myself wondering in amusement-- while the Queen was reviewing the fleet, and watching the mock battle off Portsmouth with the fireworks displays-- just how many people were actually pondering Sharpe and his feats at that battle. I know I was. Sure it was a tribute to Lord Nelson, but somehow I can't really think of Trafalgar anymore without Sharpe. I know he wasn't there in reality, since Sharpe is fiction... but it's still sort of neat to think of Sharpe. Afterall, Sharpe brought Trafalgar to alot of people who otherwise would not have even learned the history of that great occasion. Thanks for all the enjoyable reading! Nectarios P.

re Rhydian Evans' comments, posted on 21 June, in the modern British Army, cr*p hats are also known as (strangely) forage caps. They are those nice smart hats worn with your Number Twos or Number Ones (that is, your best dress uniform). No idea why we called them cr*p hats but there you go. It is also Para slang for anyone fortunate enough not to be a Para. Military Police are known as Redcaps or Cherry Berets, from the nice bright red berets they wear, something like the red coats of the ordinary infantry in Sharpe's day. Just thought you might like to know! Keri Tolhurst, ex Royal Signals

Dear Mr Cornwell I always find your books immensely entertaining and have learned more about the Napoleonic Wars and English archers than I ever did at school. I never bother to check for historical accuracy as I have complete faith that you have . Many thanks . What prompted me to write however was the article about your adoption in the Daily telegraph . Like you I was adopted as a baby in 1944 . My adoptive parents gave me a happy , if financially shaky , childhood and I always have considered them my Mum & Dad . When they had both died some 10 years ago I did find out at Register House who my birth mother was but did not see any point in taking it further . Like you I am very happy with the way life has worked out and I am very sorry for the suffering you have endured . The only thing That I cannot agree with is your opinion that your father was ' a good man ' He was at best a zealot and abuser of power and would rightly be in prison today for the way he treated you . I am surprised that I have written this but felt deeply moved by the article . Keep up the good work and best wishes . Bruce

I'm sure you get a lot of these types of missive, but here goes anyway! Just wanted to say that I first began reading your books in 1999, but I read Stonehenge, largely because I love old religions and wanted to see what your take on the stone circle was, and since then have been hooked. I loved the Athurian books, and like many on this site really want to see them made into a film, I saw the latest film attempt at the Arthur story and nearly left as soon as the Saxons attacked Scotland and Arthur was a Russian, indeed the only good part about the film was Bors, and that was because he was portrayed similar to Culhwych (please ignore any bad spelling of the name) from your rendition. I emplore you write to Peter Jackson, or Ridley Scott or at least someone who won't make a hash of it!! Anywho, thanks for giving me a lot of reading pleasure in the last six years. I love the new books with Uhtred, and can't wait for October! David Wilcock

dear Mr. Cornwell I first noticed your work when "Sharpe's Tiger" came out, since I have a soft spot for tigers I deciede to buy it. and "Redcoat" too. "Sharpe's Tiger" wasn't what I expected but I really liked it. Now I think I own every Sharpe book in the series. "Redcoat" is one of my favorites. I don't find a lot of people my age reading your books (myself being 23) but I enjoy them, almost to the point of getting to work late or not getting any sleep because I can't put them down. I am looking forward to reading "Heretic" now that school is done. Thank you so much for sharing your work with us. Stephanie Burgess

Dear Mr. Cornwell, first I would like to say that I love your works, I have read the Grail Quest series as well as the Aurthurian chronicles. However, in the course of reading the Aurthurian chronicles I could not help but seeing a perfectly laid out movie playing in my head, and I wondered if you had ever considered adapting these, or any of your books into screenplays. Also, I would like to tell you that I recommended your books to one of my english teachers and that he will be teaching The Winter King next school year to his sophomore class. Not that this comment warrants a response, I just thought you might like to know that your works are being taught. However, I would like a response as to if you had considered adapting a screenplay. Thank you very much, Jack Funk

I read with some interest your article 'Most Peculiar' in the Telegraph Magazine of 25.06.05, since both my own parents were brought up in The Peculiar People and for some time my father acted as chauffeur to their bishop Heddle. My experience was, fortunately, very different from yours, and I experienced a very happy childhood. My father particularly was one of the most loving and supportive people I have known. My point is writing to you is to suggest that there may be an alternative view of The Peculiar People than the one you describe. It is true they held some strange views, and in fact, my own parents left the denomination over the issue of medical treatment. However within my extended family of some eleven families all associated with the PP's to a greater or lesser extent, I never came across any abuse or cruelty or had any reason to view them as anything worse than 'a bit odd'. The Peculiar People's beliefs, admittedly extreme, contained the truth of the Christian Gospel, and for my own family, God scored rather better than the devil. Obviously any opinions on issues such as this are bound to be subjective and the truth difficult to find. In any event, I congratulate you in your success after a difficult childhood and wish God's blessing on you for the future. Paul Wagstaff

Bernard, Nick Jones here in Vancouver, Canada. Just wanted to say thanks for the many, many hours of enjoyable reading of your outstanding books. I started with the Sharpe series and now am reading your other books. Everytime I read one I enter the wonderful world you have created, living through the trials and triumphs of your heroes. If you are ever in Vancouver and would like to try your hand at some sea kayaking (with the chance to see sea otters, whales, seals and eagles) don't hesitate to give me a call. Thanks again! Nick

Dear Mr Cornwall Since SHARPE has been showing on Foxtel here in West Australia, I've fallen in love with your stories. I think it was just wonderful of you to dedicate SHARPE'S BATTLE to Sean Bean - I wonder if that is a first - for an author to acknowledge the actor who plays his character like that. I'm always looking for good authors and can't imagine why I didn't stumble across your books earlier. Thanks heaps Ann

you support my fav US football team, the patriots, great last few sessons. Are you following the Lions Tour down here in New Zealand, it certainy should get better now the tests have arrived. I am looking forward to the next Alfred book in October, loved the starbuck books as well as the arthur books - just trying to get my wife to read them. thanks for the pleasure you bring to your readers with such real characters. Kim from NZ