Bulletin Board

Dear Sir, Not so much a question, merely an appreciative comment or two; Being raised on Forrester et al I have been fascinated by the Napoleonic Wars from a very early age even wargaming in the late 60's and reading all I could lay my hands on, (The Longford series was amazing). Every Sharpe book published makes me dust off the whole series and start again until I can get to the new book chronologically. Thankyou for an amazing series. I even forgive the very few historical inaccuracies, made wonderfully clear at the end of each and every novel. Keep Sharpe and Harper marching!! Regards Chris

G'day Mr Cornwell. I'm not usually one to write letters or emails such as this, but I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the many, many hours of reading pleasure, your writing has given me. Your books, in particular, the Sharpe series, have accompanied me on several operational deployments with the Australian Defence Force, and although they are now somewhat dog-eared, they sit patiently on my bookshelf, ready for the next one. Whilst I certainly could NOT say that Richard Sharpe makes a good role model for my fellow soldiers, I find the spirit of adventure and determination you have created with your characters a most admirable trait. I await Sharpe's next march eagerly. regards Dale McGrath PS-Patrick Harper's decendants could very well be Australian however...

Dear Mr Cornwell, thanks for "Sharpe's Escape" another great one. I have "fought" along side Sharpe since I read a review of "Sharpe's Sword" in the evening standard lord knows how many years ago. Like yourself I now live in the U.S but in Florida, and I look forward to the publication of your books with a hunger. To use an old phrase "you lead others follow". r.m.campbell

Hello, I read all the Sharpe books. They were pretty good. Then I read the Arthur books and they are somewhat amazing. I've read kArthur stories since I was like five and yours are blatantly the best (apart from Gawain and the Green Knight which, as a poet, I appreciate as being deeply funky). Anyway, I have been reading them again this weekend, albiet out of order. I really love my girlfriend, but it's a bit annoying when she phones and interrupts. Lord of the Rings is a joke compared to your trilogy (okay, so I haven't read the books, but I know the story from the film and from dipping I think the prose is boring). I'm glad they're your favourite books that you've written, you would not deserve your gift if they were not. My favourite retelling is Tristan and Iseult; the economy of your rendition is brutal perfection. It's a crime if a film is not made of it and a travesty if it is and it's compromised. Guenivere and Talesin's conversation about poetry is touched with genius. It says everything about poetry now. I love the way that magic is not undermined by trickery in the books, somehow they make magic seem more possible. Anyway, Enemy of God (where Derfel and Ceinwyn get together) inspired the poem I wrote today, and it was quite good, so I thought I'd write and say thank you for the Arthur books. It's a shame you can't do more, but clearly you can't. I hope that when you pass to the otherworld you are remembered for these books and not Sharpe etc, because they are a most genuine contribution to literature, thanks for reading, Paul.

How dare you Sir...... I recently began re-reading Sharpes adventures in order, but you've stopped me in my tracks with Sharpe's Escape. Unfortunately my partner refuses to allow me the hard back version of your books as, I quote, "it won't match the rest." Sharpe's Havoc went down a treat when I bought it...Therefore I'm stuck in limbo once I've finished Sharpes Gold and you have stopped Sharpe and I reaching Chile and meeting Bony. Keep writing, love the books and I look forward to the new adventure (in paper back). Oh any more surprises? Peter Rickman

Hi, I writing from Brazil just to say that "The Arthur books" are the best history that I ever read. Thank you for the wonderful hours spent reading it. Felipe Villela Dias

First of all I would like to say how much I have enjoyed The Grail Quest, well part of it. I do not have time to read but do home work so I listen to audio books and have Harlequin and Vagabond both unabridged and desparately waiting for the unabridged Heretic. My nephew and I also share a passion for Sharpe. Had the Americans not changed the name of Harlequin YES they would have had a shock but they would have been educated to the best read of their lives. thank you so much for the edge of chair listening. Libbie Harris

Hello Bernard, just a quick note to say that I have never read any of your books before but have seen a few of the Sharpe television programmes which I thought were ok but could have been a bit more gritty and harsh, I felt they were a bit dumbed down. I have just finished Sharpe's Tiger which kept me enthralled the whole book and made a 1 hour train journey seem like 5 minutes> I found using Sean Bean's face helped as he is perfect for the role, Hakeswill I pictured as a rough robert newton. I am now on Sharpe's Triumph and am finding it equally good, I love the historical element of it and find it really easy to imagine all the settings. I don't know why I am sending this email, I suppose it is just to say that I am looking forward to reading the whole series and feel quite envious as you have created a fantastic character who you obviously enjoy writing about, thank you again, Martin.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, In response to Charles Croll's inquiry (19th Mar) about visiting the battlefield of Los Arapiles ouside Salamanca, one of my Spanish friends there told me that the Musuem of Arapiles has a guided tour of the battlefield every Saturday. The guide speaks good English, and they really welcome British visitors. The museum contact telephone number is: 615-537-288. If anyone has any difficulties contacting them, my friend will be happy to help (Jose Antonio Marcos ). He works for the provincial government there, and gave me a wonderful tour of the battlefield 3 years ago. He is also a huge fan of your books and the Sharpe films. Barbara West

I just wanted to tell you that I am hooked...first the Thomas of Hookton and now the Sharpe series (I've read 4 so far). You are truly an amazing author...I know what I plan to do all summer long! And I have my boss hooked as well! Best regards and congratulations on the most awesome books. P.S. I just could not get into Stonehenge, perhaps for the same reason as I could not really enjoy Lord of the Rings. R Mukund