Happy new year Bernard. I waited until Xmas to read The Last Kingdom, so I could get it as a present. It was worth the wait, yet again you have produced a masterpiece. Regards, Ed
Excellent! I've just read Harlequin & Vagabond & before that Sharpe's Escape who's earlier books I've already enjoyed. I'm looking forward to reading all your other books, once I've finished Heretic of course! ok keep up the good work ciao4now ;-). Lee Rees
Dear Mr. Cornwell, In my usual jaunt through your site in the quest for more information, I came across a question posted January 5 regarding the eventual fate of Sean Bean's green jacket from the Sharpe movies. According to an interview conducted by Winona Kent, Sean Bean does state that he kept his green jacket, sash and sword. Apparently it was in his contract. For the entire interview, check out Ms. Kent's website at www.compleatseanbean.com/interview1.html. The part about the jacket appears at the very bottom of the sixth page. I hope that helps. Thanks again for everything. Dina
Thanks for that info!
Just finished The Winter King, and immediately sent for the sequels. Excellent historical fiction! I enjoyed it on a par with George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, a thoroughly down-to-earth and character AND plot driven fantasy work. Martin's characters are so well developed that you feel you might run into them... I strongly recommend it. Just one comment: in your afterward you express doubt that the early Christian church in Britain was tolerant toward other religions. But, as you yourself note, the early church was a different animal than what it is today, or even what it became by feudal times. Recall that early Christianity was a religion of the oppressed and exploited. The church had not yet become an empire with a ruler as powerful as any emperor. I find it believable that the early Christians may well have coexisted peacefully with other, indigenous, religions. But, then again, that's speculation. Best, Mike
I'll believe it when I see a scrap of evidence! My own reading of Christian history suggests that it has always been a fiercely intolerant religion, as are most. I suspect it's only when religions are in their earliest infancy and in their dying dotage that they express meekness.
I have just finished The Last Kingdom. I believe it's your best yet. I have enjoyed them all, especially The Arthur series and of course Sharpe. I am at present researching an ancestor who served in the 28th regiment, joining as a boy. He was through the peninsular war and at Waterloo. There was a private Wheeler who managed to grab a French eagle at Waterloo, also from the 28th. I suspect it's not the same man, but plan to check the next time I visit England. Best wishes, Barry Wheeler
Good luck! I didn't think any French eagle was captured by the infantry - it was all heavy cavalry, but of course the 28th were very close to where the cavalry charged d'Erlon's corps, so perhaps you know something I don't?
FANTASTIC - in my life you are the second writer I've come to enjoy ,, the first being Robert Heinlin. I (love) your books very much and now recommend them to all I talk to especialy history buffs as I believe your blend of history and fiction could equal reality. I am partial to the Sharpe series but also like the Aurthur books as well ,,ta ta for now Scott
Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have read most of your Sharpe books and what I haven't read I will. I have also read some of your other books and find them fascinating, I can't put them down. I am a Brit living in th US and find the detail of historic events amazing. I am now in the middle of "Copperhead" and the research you must have to do to bring into all of your books a true feeling that the characters were actualy there as the events were happening is awesome. I hope to see more Sharpe adventures in the future and more sailing novels would be welcome. Thank you for hours of entertainment, Mike Shouler Wooster, Ohio.
I know you hear it all the time but once more can't hurt. Thanks. Thanks for the great tales. Thanks for the adventures I can go on even while I'm being jostled about on the 6:12 out of Grand Central. I swear as I read the "Archer's Tale" (oops sorry "Harlequin") I could smell the air of Caen after the sack. Or maybe it was the guy next to me on the subway, no, I'm sure it was your writing. Keep 'em coming. Sincerely, Bob Monaco
Just a wholehearted thanks, have read most of the Sharpe series, and am an avid fan. I've just finished Gallows Thief and just wanted to say what wonderful characters you've put together in such an intriguing way! I add my petition to those already calling for a second! Tom Clewer
Happy New Year, thanks for all the hard work on your research! you should take up teaching English history as a relaxation!! We live on our catamaran (Minuet) in the Mediteranean so good reading is a boon to us. I don't suppose you'd consider to cross the pond in your Cornish Crabber but I believe others have - we came out from Cornwall. Best regards Martin & Erika
I wouldn't think of crossing the pond in my Cornish Crabber! She's tough enough, but much too slow. I did a passage from Bermuda to the Azores in July, 1900 nm in sixteen days in a thirty-eight-footer, but my Crabber would have taken at least a month!