Dear Mr. Cornwell,

To begin, thank you for your writing. You’ve worn my legs out over the years, with so many marches alongside Sharpe and Harper, Thomas of Hookton, Francis Maclean, Nathaniel, Arthur and, most recently, Uhtred, whose tales are a personal favourite – and that’s saying something.

I am a Canadian journalist, writer, aspiring novelist, history buff and longtime fan who thinks you have the most awesome job in the world. Part of your job, I understand (and, no doubt, a delightful part), is exploring the many battlefields you write about.

I am about to embark on a pan-European adventure across England, France, Portugal and Spain (these two especially) and as many other countries as my wallet will allow. I’d like to get your advice as I fine-tune the itinerary: could you recommend some places (battlefields, castles, towns, etc.) for me to visit which relate to the Sharpe books or to any of your works, ones which stood out for you as favourites for whatever reason?

And, literary connection or not, I’d welcome any Dos, Don’ts, Must-sees or whatever other wisdom you wish to impart.

Much thanks. Sincerely,

Geoff Davies
Toronto

P.S. If, perchance, you care to visit Queenstown Heights, Fort York or any other sites to mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812, I would be a very willing and fairly knowledgeable guide.

P.P.S. Come to mention it, as a historian and Briton now living in the States, I’d love to hear your views on that war, given your adoptive homeland’s optimistic, if not revisionist, view on its outcome. (Said humbly as a Canadian quick to admit to our own prejudices on the matter.)