Bulletin Board

Hi Mr. Cornwell, Just wanted to say the Sharpe series is great. I'm about halfway through them for the first time, and I think the stories are riveting, the battles intense, and your writing style always a pleasure to read. I'm a bit of a writer myself (you probably hear that a lot), and I was digging through some books on the shelf trying to see how different authors start their novels. Well, I pick one of my wife's suspense novels up and half fall asleep after the 1st paragraph. Then I pick up Sharpe's Tiger, and I'm into page 5 or 6 before I realize what I'm doing! Anyway, excellent series. Look forward to reading all the Sharpe books and your Hundred Years War series, of which I just bought the first book. Thanks! -Scott

Further to my e-mail of December about Wellington's plaque in Salamanca. The Times yesterday Jan 7 had an article about a proposed road through the battlefield. A bypass around the Arrapilles. Also a local archaeologist was having problems with uncovered grave pits. Thought you might be interested. Happy New Year. Nigel James

I feel really strong that you should make your "Warlord series" (about Arthur and Derfel) into movies... I think that they are the best books I've ever read in my entire life!! and I'm serious they are amazing, but anyways... I would love it if you made the series into a movie... I would watch them all maybe 20 times... please try thank you. Neil

Hi Bernard (I hope you don't mind the familiarity, but after all these years..........) I am so pleased to find your web site and to get this opportunity to thank you for the years of pleasure your work has given me. I have a young family and a busy working life, which reduces the time I have for reading, other than talking books in the car (William Gaminara is my favourite "Sharpe" reader). However, I do enjoy saving your books for uninterupted reading on holiday, despite the protestations of my wife at the "wasted" space in our bags, taken up by all of the hard cover books!! I have such admiration for the way you bring your characters to life and place them in such historically detailed environments. I have been a fan of historical fiction for over 35 years and very few authors come close to you, although recent books indicate they are learning from you. Once again thank you. Well that's it, sorry its so sycophantic but I just wanted you to hear the applause of one of your happy readers. Best wishes John Rathbone

Dear Mr. Cornwell , Happy New Year ! My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting you at Hatchards in Oct.. This is the first time I have ever written a "fan" letter. I'm writing because your books have given me many hours of enjoyment. I devoured the Sharpe series as soon as they were available. Like many fans I look forward to the next "Starbuck" novel. You do a marvelous job in capturing the American Civil War. I am a recently retired NYPD Detective and your books have been a welcome distraction from the harsh realities of Law enforcement. Especially after 9/11. I lost a number of friends and collegues and worked the recovery. Thank you for your wonderful stories. Keep up the good work! I am a budding playwrite, and find inspiration in good stories and great diologue wherever I find it. Particularly in your books. Oh, and sorry about the Redsox this past year, and congratulations on The Mighty Patriots!! Great win last night! Yes, my wife and I were thrilled to be speaking with you about The Sox and The Pats. We are METS fans, but have affection for those two teams. Go PATS!! Thank you for your time and I look forward to reading more of your works in the future and perhaps meeting you again. Sincerely, Patrick

Stand-to-horse!, is the first command of a Civil War Cavalry formation. Kind of like "fall in!". Re-enacting has been my hobby since 1976, our Bi-centennial got me started with a Rev. war F&I unit ST. Annes Parish Militia out of Ft. Des Chartres in Illinois. The ground around there is almost as fertile for history as it is for corn. If you get over that way stop off. South of St. Louis on the Illinois sideof the Mississippi. I've read every Cornwell book I've got ahold of and own most. Love em all. Did so from the beginning. I would like to hear more about that Kings German Legion troop from the Sharpe series. Most of your "horsework" is spot on. "has a good seat". There are several good units on the continent and UK. I transitioned to Mounted Cavalry in '78, 7th Ill. Vol. Cavalry, one of Col Greirsons units on his raid hollywood used for "Horse Soldiers". I am presently with Co.C, 5th Texas CAV., part of Old Ft. Griffith Mem. Regt. out of Texas. We do both Confederate and Union Civil War, and 1870's frontier CAv. In that role we act as agressors for and American indian re-enactment group in Wyoming's annuall, "buffalo days". Daylight patrols and skrimishs and night raids on picket lines. The "hostiles" "hunt" buffalo from horseback and we get invited to feast at end of Week. Wah! Shining times. Do you know of any good books on Maj. Patrick Ferguson. I've read his scottish biography. About his duel as Coronet, and his sucsessful campaign against Caribs. I had a replica of his rifle which was too tight and didn't work, Haven't talked to anyone with the new Naragansett replicas, understand the breech plug is tapered and leaks a little on firing about like a "Paper Cutter '59 Sharps". I think there is a Great story lurking in the History of this solitary British officer buried in Carolina. It was good chatting with you, keep up the good writing. Kenneth James

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I just want to say that your Warlord Chronicles rate amongst the best novels I have ever read. I recently resat my Higher English exam and used your novels as a study point. After lending them to my lecturer he became a fan overnight. Many thanks for the hours of entertainment. Keep up the great work! Michael Gillan

I would first of all like to thank you for consistently writing brillant books over such a long period of time. I am now 18, I started reading your books when my brother gave me Sharpe's Waterloo and Battle Flag. From then on I have gone on to read Stonehenge, the Starbuck Chronicles and the Arthurian novels which I think are your best. I was just wondering if anyone has approached you for movie rights or scripting or anything like that for the Arthurian novels. I believe they would make a great movie if done right. Thank you for your time. I would be very grateful if you could reply but if you can't I will understand because you are a busy man p.s.are you going to get back to the Starbuck Chronicles as they are also a good series Thank you again. Brett

Here's a wild one, and if it's been covered already, my apologies. A colleague of mine stumbled upon a book detailing the exploits of the Irish Regiments from 1683 to 1999. There is a specific example of a "promotion from the ranks to commissioned without purchase." It singles out a workhouse orphan who enlisted at the age of 12 in 1797. At the siege of Bhurtpore 1804-05, he performed with such gallantry that he was given an ensigncy, and was almost at once promoted to a lieutenancy. He later wrote a paper (1831) decrying the practice of flogging as "barbarous," which greatly influenced Sir Francis Burdett, MP, in his campaign against the punishment. He left detailed accounts of his service. His name, was Shipp. Mike Holbrook

Dear Bernard, After reading and enjoying the Sharpe and Starbuck novels many times over, a friend recommended that I read the Arthur books. I was skeptical at first, thinking I might not like the era as much as the 19th century. However, after devouring them in a matter of a couple of weeks I must agree that they are simply awesome. They are the greatest 'page turners' I have ever read, especially 'Enemy of God'. The moment when Ceinwyn gets off the boat in 'Excalibur' made me blub for a long time!!! So thank you very much for these books - it was a shame they had to come to an end. The Grail Quest trilogy was also extremely good. I am very much looking forward to 'Sharpe's Escape' and to meeting you again at one of your book signings / talks. Good luck with all your future projects - we cannot wait!!! Best wishes, Berj Tekerian