Bulletin Board

Dear Bernard, I`m now in the middle of reading Heretic and don`t want it to end, Just a couple of questions which may seem to you perdantic, although I hope not;it`s just that I visualise a lot when I`m reading.On page 13 it is describing the surcoat of the Earl of Northampton as a blue field with a white diagonal stripe on which 3 red stars are blazoned and the blue field occupied by yellow lions. Then on page 92 I believe it is the same heraldic flag being flown at Castillon D`Arbizon but this states the diagonal white stripe as having 3 white stars, not red. Then I noticed that on page Astarac is spelt wrongly and the last discrepency is that the Cistercian monks wear white robes as you mention on page 152 but when descibing Father Planchard unlocking the chest in the hidden vault on page 157 you mention that he takes the key from under his black robe. I just like to get things in my visualization right. I have to also get the map of France in my head to see where the places are in relationship with each other and see in my mind the N.S.E.W. As we have lived in the Cathars area of France I find this even more absorbing and love reading your Grail Quest series. Many thanks for taking the time to read this E-mail. Jan Geggus

Well sir you've certainly put a spring in my step re the Saxon stories. Im now a fully fledged viking nut who visits York viking festival every February, to behave outrageously of course. Well, you have to get into character right? Anyway I now have a viking tanker so here's to Uhtred, cheers! Joey

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I discovered your writing when my father, who is aware of my King Alfred obsession, gave me The Last Kingdom as a gift. I'm enthusiasticly awaiting the next story in that series, but in the meantime I caught Sharpe's Challenge on BBC America and have rapidly consumed almost all of the Sharpe books. My family, understandably, is a bit frustrated with the amount of time I've recently spent reading and came up with their own suggestions for Sharpe titles. I thought you might find them as funny as I did. (These were meant to be humorous--and perhaps a little mean--and won't lead to any lawsuits, I'm sure.) My husband suggests "Sharpe's Carbuncle", and is using the large skin boil meaning, not the large gem meaning. My 14-year-old daughter came up with "Sharpe's Death". She said it could be a very short book, perhaps only one page. My personal favorite came from my 10-year-old daughter, who suggests "Sharpe Learns to Change the Litter Box." Clearly she hasn't been paying enough attention. I however, have been, and await your next work, Meg Hunter

I'm a total Sharpe fan - tv and your books. Sean was Sharpe, and the rest of the casting was superb (indeed, everyone involved in the films were brilliant). Sharpe's Challenge improves with every viewing and, I felt, collated the books wonderfully. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Lesley Downer

No comments, no brickbats only bouquets! Have just finished The Lords of the North which I found almost impossible to put down. Can hardly wait for the next novel in this absorbing series. Am currently reading Book Four of The Nathan Starbuck Chronicles, The Bloody Ground, and am anxiously awaiting a call from my local library to confirm that Sharpe's Fury is available for my reading pleasure. (I have read every other title in the series.) I cannot claim to have read all your work, but I have never been disappointed by any of your books and wish to thank you most sincerely for providing me with such glorious entertainment over the years. As long as you continue to write I shall continue to look forward to your books. Thanks again for all the years of reading pleasure!
Ken Price

Having finished Lords of the North, I wondered does the Story Continue? Will their be a follow on, I do hope so. You signed Pale Horseman in Chesterfield for me and I hold that in high regard, Thank You.
Carl Taylor

I'm a total Sharpe fan - tv and your books. Sean was Sharpe, and the rest of the casting was superb (indeed, everyone involved in the films were brilliant). Sharpe's Challenge improves with every viewing and, I felt, collated the books wonderfully. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Lesley Downer

Hi there Mr Cornwell. I've just completed Lords of the North Country, best of the series so far, absolutely loved it. In fact, if the Uthred stories continue to be this good, I may just be able to cope a while longer waiting for closure on the Starbuck Chronicles! Phil Dean

Hi. Just a quick note of appreciation. I ve just finished The Pale Horsemen, and loved it. I'm from Somerset and felt a stab of pride that my county helped to create England by fighting for its king. Of course, some 800 years later we tried to depose a king at Sedgemoor, but we're like that in Somerset. Anyway, I'm looking forward to Lords of the North, but until I get it I'll have to read Njals Saga for the fifteenth time to get my literary fix of hacking and slashing. Thanks again for a great read. I'm not sure my boss appreciates it though, I kept sneaking to my car for a quick read. Paul H.

Mr. Cornwell, My name is Luiz Fernando and I'm writing from São Paulo, Brazil. I am a fan of your work and read many of your books: The Warlord Trilogy, The Grail Quest, Gallows Thief, A Crowning Mercy and some Sharpe novels (from Sharpes Tiger to Sharpes Gold). Fortunately, that are many more still unread. The first of the Saxon books is about to see print in Brazil and I cant wait to get my hands on it! Im writing to thank you for your massive research work, which shows in the depiction not only of battles, but also of the clothing, equipment, habits and language ot each character. Its a pleasure to see your Portuguese characters using proper expressions, such as senhor and capitão. It makes the story richer and more likely. Im presently halfway the second chapter of Sharpes Escape and its great reading, just as expected. Theres only one little thing Id like to point out (please dont get mad at me. Im just trying to help!) You said the Portuguese skirmishers were called cazadores. The name is right, but the spelling is not. The correct word would be caçadores, with a Ç, as in the French expression ça va?. The pronounciation, on the other hand, is the same as in the Spanish term cazadores. If you need any help on finding expressions in Portuguese, or maybe decide to write any novel taking place in South America (which seems really unlikely, but who knows?), feel free to contact me and ask for information. Id be glad to help. Thank you again for writing so many great stories and creating such wonderful characters. Luiz Fernando Carneiro