Dear Mr Cornwell, As John MacInroe said: “You Cannot Be Serious!” – Another whole year before you produce the Saxon Chronicle 6 book?? I originally read these out of order, so re-read them chronologically, assuming that the sequel to ‘The Burning Land’ would be produced sometime in the more immediate future. After all – Uhtred’s descendants have had 1100+ years to write his story! So you are falling a bit behind are you not? And I must admit, I do not want to follow Uhtred to the feasting Halls without being able to tell what the skalds sing of him. This is a question for your readers: One wonders whether everybody who reads one of your books becomes an automatic fan, or are there in fact some people(?) who are not particular fans? I must admit that I have an extremely eclectic taste, but I am an avid admirer because there is a rollicking good tale in the middle of historical fact. I would like to know how you keep thinking of the fresh plots and activities. As a footnote – The ‘Bloodeagle’ was a form of execution in Mediaeval Norway, used when a criminal asked for it, because they were not allowed to hold a sword (therefore would not be able to go to Valhalla), and this was a way to prove their bravery and be admitted.

Roger Hamilton