Dear Mr. Cornwell: I am a thirty year old American who studied military history at college. I stumbled upon Sharpe's Tiger two years ago and my wife still complains about the ever increasing pile of Cornwell novels next to our bed. You've provided a new and more interesting way to learn. You have a unique ability as a writer to blend compelling tales with soundly researched history. Military history does not consist of arrows on the map of a battlefield but rather the impressions of the men who were there. One suggestion and three brief questions: Your text can read like a racehorse straining aginst the reins. I'm waiting to read not flashes of brilliance but one long brilliant explosion. Your writing talent can take you further than you've gone. Forget the success, forget even the genre and indulge your gift for language and your instincts. What is your favorite book which you have written and, more importantly, why? (I know that's predictable but I'm very curious.) Why was the British infantry so indominable? (We matched you in 1770's, why not everybody else?) Why did the Scots, the Irish and the Welsch fight so hard for the British? I realize the latter two querys could flesh out a doctorate but I await your succint explanation. Thank You, Peter Arthur McClenahan
My favourite book? Probably Excalibur, why? Because it was enjoyable to write. Why did the Scots etc fight for the British? Because they were British and didn't believe they were fighting for the English - besides, few men fought for King and Country, they fought for their companions, and the regional nature of British regiments encouraged that. I think the success of the British army under Wellington had much to do with its reaction to the perceived failings of the 1770's - so fresh tactics were introduced (two deep line instead of three, deployment of rifle battalions) - and it didn't hurt to have Wellington in command - a general who thinks, wow.