Bulletin Board

I've just been reading through the 'Your Questions' page. in answer to Geraint, there was indeed a Rifleman of the 5/60th who fought at both Albuera and Fuentes de Onoro. His name was David Lochstadt, and he was one of only two men who received fifteen clasps to the Military General Service Medal when it was finally issued in 1848. This was the maximum number of clasps awarded, and I am only surprised that he actually lived long enough to get his medal! An officer of the 60th, Brevet Major Galiffe, also fought at and survived both battles. I don't know if he ever got his MGSM, or how many clasps he got if he did get it....Keri Tolhurst

Mr. Cornwell, My father and I are avid fans of your novels. We have read almost all of your novels, and loved them. I have a history degree, which explains my passion for your novels. I wish to be a writer, and your style has inspired me, although I am a big fan of fantasy, so I'm looking at historical fantasy right now. I just wanted to say that I am a scout leader in the Province of Quebec, and came back from summer camp with the kids. Every evening I told them some Sharpe stories (Havoc and Eagle), and the kids absolutely loved them. The fact that it is in Quebec is important. Being a bunch of French Canadians, we usually tend to favor the French MUCH more than the English (I don't count, I'm something of an anglophile). The kids still kept on asking me 'are you gonna continue Sharpes stories tonight?'. One kid even threatened a revolution if I stopped. I was going to tell the Arthur story at first, disguising myself as Derfel and using props. But during spring camp, the kids asked for a story, and I told them about Sharpe. That was it. Thank you for the work you do. Jean-François Gagné

hi b.c., just finished Sharpe's Sword and think its one of your best. the library says two weeks to get Sharpe's Enemy, so i'll buy it. have a great vacation !! uli

When your first book was released here in Brazil, I was in pure ectasy - Cadarn kicks ass. Have you ever thought about making a movie about Arthur General and Thomas the french killer? James Gerald Marko

Thanks for writing the Grail Quest Series. Last year I was given Harlequin by a relative who just didn't know what else to buy me for my birthday. I've never, Ever, read three books so fast. And now.....Please, PLEASE can you give Thomas of Hookton another adventure. I'm hooked.....Ha ha... erm!!! (Probably sick of hearing that pun.) Surely there is some other religious relic he can save from the clutches of evil. Nails from Christ's crucifiction, or a piece of blood stained cross...there must be an endless list. Perhaps he can be given a vision after drinking from the Grail. (Don't worry, I won't sue!!) Anyway, if you do write another series of Thomas of Hookton stories, it won't be too soon.
Has anyone approached you on turning the series into a movie, that would be excellent news.
Hope you had a good holiday! Mike Smith

Truly inspiring works, your Authorian Trilogy, the Grail Quest, Stonehenge. They make me want to go back in time and live the era for real...I've just found your site and would love to have my collection autographed, I haven't got around to checking you calendar yet but just wanted to thank you. I do have one question for you though, have you thought of having either your Grail or Arthorian works put into film?

Well from all accounts, this new Arthur film doesn't exactly make the grade. From what I've heard there is a distinct lack of emotion in it and only Keira Knightley's Guinevere makes it worthwhile watching. I find it difficult to understand how they made Arthur into a half Roman half Russian warlord in any event. It seems now, more than ever, that Hollywood has made a huge mistake in not using your material for Arthur. Point made, I hope you enjoy your holiday - well deserved! Rachel Malone

Hi Bernard With the release of Antoine Fuqua's film about King Arthur, I could not help but think your Arthur series would have made a far more interesting film or even TV series. And probably more accurate. Ashley Baldwin-Smith

I have just finished reading the Arthur books for the second, or perhaps third time, and I want to thank you for being who you are, and for being the incredible writer you are. Your books have inspired and entertained me ever since I read "Sharpe's Eagle" almost 23 years ago. Reading your books has helped motivate and push me to pursue my goal of being a writer. And it happened! I went back to school several years ago for a diploma in journalism, did some freelance work for a time, and recently became a senior writer/editor for the province of British Columbia, which means I actually do get paid to write professionally, no mean feat! I am also working on my first novel. So...thanks for the inspiration. Thanks for the great stories. Please keep them coming. And thanks for writing your advice page. I re-read it whenever I feel frustrated with my writing, or that I'm getting diverted into the trap of too much research -- not enought storytelling. It helps me keep on track. Best regards, Jon Chant

I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your writing, and I have never even read a book! (No offense...) My father is visually impaired and we often have a hard time finding large print editions of books he enjoys. He absolutely loves your books, and is eagerly awaiting the next Starbuck book, even if it might be awhile. God bless you for your efforts! Jessica Kenyon

Hello Mr. Cornwell, Just this morning of July 4th I finished reading your Stonehenge, and I want to thank you for creating the fantastic world I could easily return to each night. Last November I had the privelege to visit Stonehenge and the photos I took, especially the panoramics, provide a perspective I didn't get being so close to the monument. It's like that with your book. The story you wrote is much more satisfactory than the vistor' phone explanations which were necessarily brief and vague. Your novel, though fictitious, is a fuller, richer and believable explanation. In a way I wish I'd read the book before seeing the site; on the other hand could I have appreciated it? There's the same feeling about your Historical Note. I guess the only solution is to read Stonehenge again, some of the other books you cited, and visit the site again. And I'll be giving the book to several friends. Happy choices all around. "... and the stones were left to the spirits. Which holds them still." A perfect ending, which gave me chills. Thank you. Sincerely, Pat B Seattle, WA

I just wanted to say "Hi" and let you know I just finished Sharpe's Escape. It was a Father's Day present from my daughters who gave it to me knowing I have read every Sharpe novel. I also wanted to let you know we are almost neighbors. I understand you live on the Cape - I live in Plymouth. Small world!! Enjoyed the book immensely - can't wait for the next one!! Joe Kleinberg