Mr. Cornwell, first and foremost I must say that I am a huge fan of your writings and entirely agree with you with regard to my favourite books of yours, the warlord chronicles are, in my opinion, unparalleled for any novel or series of novels that I have read that encompass the murky transition from a Romano-British Society to the faction that you correctly called Englaland. As harsh as this may sound, I am not pleased for you with regards to the success of your Sharpe novels, and that is not a criticism for I have read, fully enjoyed and own all Sharpe novels, however, many people know you only for the exploits of Sean in the television series and I find it disappointing that people trudge through their literary lives without having absorbed The Warlord Chronicles, The Grail Quest and The ‘Saxon stories’ regarding Uhtred. Incidentally, my A-level history coursework was on the real life Uhtred, betrayed in 1016, one of your ancestors I believe and I have studied him further and the reign of Aethelred the ‘Unraidy’. To summarise, I am a huge fan and eagerly await the next book after Sword Song and would dearly like to know some of the background reading you employed to obtain the knowledge of the Arthurian period prior to the writing of the Warlord Chronicles, aside from Roman historians as it is my belief that Gildas’ views, while seemingly comtemporary can only be discarded when delving into the lifestyles of the true Britons, such as Derfel. Thank you for writing at a continually high standard and long may it continue. Your fan, Thomas. Ps: If you were to use a name akin to Thomas for a passing character in any possible future novels containing Uhtred, then I would be honoured to meet your ancestor and a man I have studied. To meet Uhtred in between the covers of your books would truly make my year and I eagerly await your reply.