Bulletin Board

When I rediscovered your work a few weeks ago I purchased "A Crowing
Mercy". Well, I just finished reading it. It kept my interest until the
last page. You tell a good story.

I am going to start reading the Sharpe stories again.

Jeff

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I have just finished "The Enemy of God" and am beginning "Excalibur" today. While I've enjoyed Sharpe's adventures immensely, I was astounded by the sequence in "Enemy of God" that leads from Dian's murder to the end of the novel. When I first began these books, I thought, "Ah, an anthropologically accurate Arthur story. This'll be interesting." Well, it's been much more than interesting. Thank you for putting so much time, craft, and good storytelling into these excellent novels, which have now become some of my favorites. All the best, Matt Genne'

As a matter of interest, I have been reading your novels for years, and the early Sharpe books were read in the gloominess of a Chieftan tank, in West Germany. They kept me going through hours of boredoom, while waiting for the next simulated attack against Russian forces, stuffed in some wood. Yoyr words took me from a world of rain, hunger, cold and mud to one of distant dreams. You don't know how much you help us Seventh Armoured lads (Desert Rats), survive the turmoils of the Cold War. This is a simple thank you, and please keep writing. Steve

Hello Bernard! First of all, I would like to thank you for just being you, an author. (I'm glad you didn't just keep all those stories in your head!) I love your works, even though I started reading your books only last month. I just discovered you! Your 1st book I read is 'The Archer's Tale' aka 'Harlequin'. (Why the heck must there be two titles for such a unique book, I have no idea!) And you know what? I instantly fell in love with Thomas Hookton (In case, you're wondering, I'm a single--and lonely--29 year old girl.) He's such a strong character, and an enigma. Quite a loner, like myself. Thank you again for sharing him with me. Right now, I'm reading 'Vagabond'. Thomas and Robbie was visiting Hookton, the place where it all began. Between times, I go visit the bookstores to find any of your books that I can find. (I'm a collector, you see?). I just got hold of "Heretic', 'Redcoat', 'Stonehenge' and 'Crackdown'. I can't wait to get my hands on the 'Sharpe Series' and 'Starbuck' and read ALL of them. God, I wished I had discovered you sooner! Okay. That's all for now. I won't keep you away from your works. Go get them! Adromir
p/s : Just to let you know, I live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where your books are quite rare and precious. Searching for them is like treasure hunting!

Mr Cornwell, As I mentioned in an earlier e-mail, I have been re-reading Gallows Thief and was reminded of another of those stories I've heard that explain phrases in the English language. The last one I mentioned about General Hooker you put me right on and again I'm not sure about this one though it sounds plausible. Back in the days when hangings took place at Tyburn, prisoners were transported from gaol (Newgate I presume) in two ways. Either a lone prisoner walked or by wagon if there was more than one. On the route was a tavern where the generous landlord would give a lone prisoner a last drink. 'One for the road'. If however the cart stopped at the tavern the landlord would refuse because 'They were on the wagon'. True or not it's a good story and thought I'd share it. Regards as ever, Nigel James.

PS I assume that the riflemen, that saved Sandman's foraging party in Spain, were Sharpe and Company although you never mentioned them by name. Nigel James

Dear Mr Cornwell, as a massive fan of yours I'd just like to know whether the Warlord Chronicles are going to be made into either a small mini series or a film trilogy. As Tim (Bulletin Board 25th Oct) has done, I went to see the King Arthur movie and was very disappointed and then recommended your books to two of my friends that went with me. Since then one has read A Winter King and says that he thoroughly enjoyed reading it and is now reading Enemy of God. As well I'd just like to say thanks for the great books and keep up the good work. James Brough

Hello Bernard, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your books, they are a fantastic way to escape from everyday life for a while. thank you! Martin Rea

Mr Cornwell, I, like most people that must contact you, enjoy your books immensely. Although I must admit I have never read any of the Sharpe books, which is something I will remedy one day. The reason I have decided to contact you is on a historical matter. In 'Vagabond' on page 4 of the small paperback version you refer to the date as October 1346. Then on page 22, during the coversation with William Douglas and De Taillebourg, the disbanding of the Templars is mentioned by Douglas. De Taillebourg states it was "Twenty-nine years ago". This would mean in 1317. I'm sorry for sounding like a bit of an 'anorak' but the round-up of the Templars, ordered by the King of France, took place on Friday 13 October 1307. Hence when the 13th of a month falls on a Friday it is deemed to be an unlucky day. I'm sorry for wasting your time if this fact is already known to you. Campbell

I have just finished The Last Kingdom and I am writing to thank you for the enjoyment I got from reading it. I have read and enjoyed most of your previous novels but this one stands out as my favourite. Thank you again. Richard

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I am a 53 year old chef in Sausalito California. I am also a diabetic and have to take long walks every evening to keep my blood sugar down. During these ambles I have spent many happy hours listening to your historical fiction. I want to thank you for excellent work. It seems most books these days are written by and for women ala Oprahs' Book selections. Most head librarians are women as well and they freight their shelves with these tomes and seem to frown on anything with a martial bent. I am not a bellicose man but I find history more accessible in a story format and I can relate to the problems encountered while leading a group of men in a stressful and often unrewarding situation albeit only a busy kitchen, not a battlefield. I am listening to Sharpes' Havoc now and am impressed with how your already superlative prose has mellowed and improved. It must be a temptation to just crank these things out but Havoc is an excellently crafted work with a wonderfully complex villain. Patrick Tull is also my favorite narrator, but David Case is a close second. Thanks again for your dedication and skill. Respectfully Yours, Phil Collins