Bulletin Board

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Regarding your recent comments on the 1970 film "Waterloo", you may or may not know that the original of this Russian-produced film was absolutely butchered by the editors before it was ever shown in America. The original, which has never been seen in the States, was over four hours long, while the American version was just over two hours. All the scenes you missed, Ligny, Quatre Bras, the defense of Hougemont and La Haye Sainte, the repulse of D'Erlon's corp by the Scots Grays, etc. ended up on the cutting room floor. Sadly, it seems they are lost for good, because no one I know has ever found an uncut version of this film. Alan Kempner

What a thrill your books are to read. I first discovered the Warlord Trilogy in my local library and proceeded to go through all your books and am now halfway through the Sharpe series. Recently while reading Sharpe's Havoc the name of Sir Edward Paget leaped out of the page during the battle of Oporto. I was overjoyed to hear that an ancestor was not only there but a General no less. For years I have pondered a beautifully rendered painting hanging in my home of the family coat of arms and wondered about the people it represented. I wanted to send you a jpeg of it but can see no way of attaching one to this note. Although the spelling has changed since becoming Americanized my father always asserted the original was Paget. You are a wonderful and absorbing writer and have made my reading experience truly unique and personal and for that I thank you. I look forward to your latest work and am third on the reading list at my local library for The Last Kingdom. I believe many Americans long to know more of their origins. You have helped me to know more of my own. Don't ever stop bringing us stories of our past. My highest regards, Reed Padgett.

A few years ago, I started reading Sharpe's Trafalgar from the library but couldn't get into it at the time. Then last spring I picked up a copy of Sharpe's Tiger at a book sale and I was hooked. The description of the action and the battle narrative are just page turners. I have collected all the way up to Sharpe's Sword in the paperbacks and in fact just read the Short story-Sharpe's Skirmish. (Thank you for signing it.) I like the new covers that have been coming out and have been collecting them-they appear to be battle scene paintings on the covers. I also have on my shelf the Warlord Chronicles, the Grail Quest series and Stonehenge but have not read them yet. My next read is Sharpe's Enemy. I say all that to say thank you for your story telling skill and the historical accuracy.The two put together create a great book and I greatly enjoy them. I hope in the near future to join the Sharpe Appreciation Society. I received the application with Sharpe's Skirmish. Have a great day and a great New Year. I look forward to more of Sharpe's adventures. Sincerely David H. Smith

I would like to thank you for the joy I had reading The Last Kingdom, just fantastic. J. Noble

Finally gone back in time and reading the India Campaign in the Sharpe series. William Dodd kicks arse!! =) Philip Ha

Dear Mr Cornwell thanks so much for the fantastic 'The Last Kingdom' it really is right up there with your very best work, I can't wait for the next installment. Arthur Hurn

Mr. Cornwell, I have just finished reading the Arthor books and found them to be some of the best books I have read. Being a Tolkien fan, I compare most books I read to his style of writing. I found that your books told a realistic story and the characters were well-developed with many attributes. I found that I related with the joys and sorrow of Derfel more than I have any character in any book I have read. Thank you for writing such excellent books. Mark Pogliano

Just finished "The Last Kingdom", brilliant, your books get better and better. Can't wait for the next in the series.( I assume there is one). Keep up the fantastic work!! Thanx. A.M.

I just finished Sharpe's Escape. Thanks for providing more very enjoyable hours. I've read the whole series and each new one you stick somewhere in the chronology is a great surprise and fun time. I'm not sure how you continue on with Sharpe and Harper but I hope the muse keeps tapping on your shoulder. Again thank you for providing us with such great stories. Dave

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WRITINGS. I have enjoyed the Authurian series, am working on the Grail quest and was most enamoered with the Thrillers, having just finished 'Scoundrel'. Please give us more of these Thrillers. Best health to you and yours. I spent three years in Buzzards Bay at MMA and hope you enjoy yours as Woods Hole would be my desired home. Tom King