I have lost myself in the Saxon Stories. It’s more than an affinity for the time of Alfred and the foundation of England. I was adopted as an infant and at the age of 57 became reunited with my birthmother and my “blood family.” I had always been an Anglophile – but researched other people’s roots in lieu of having any of my own. That changed significantly and Alfred is my 34th Great-Grandfather. If you don’t think that I await EVERY Saxon book and my personal hero Uhtred, you simply have no idea! Thomas Hookton is excellent and Agincourt never was described so well. The Sharpe series is too modern for my taste – and I appreciated your approach to Arthur but it was so far removed from my own images that I didn’t enjoy it. Stonehenge was excellent. What an interesting thought! I have used your Wessex Kings to fill in one or two names missing in our Tree – which has over 33,000 people in it. Once I found my family, I became OUR genealogist and the rest, as they say, is history. Thank you so much for your wonderful companion books. I’m afraid that I read them much too fast. They are too good to put down! My very best regards and respect. Sue

Dear Bernard, I had to send this post-script. I looked up “Peculiar People” and wanted to express my sympathy at your having been thrust into a family who professed that particular off-shoot. I now understand Uhtred’s feelings about Christianity – and frankly, the Christianity that has been profaned by man over the time from the Crucifixion. The penances and atonements and miseries of the various Christian sects cannot do less than horrify the God Who tried to align mankind with Himself. I’m really sorry that you had that childhood. I’m sure there are scars. Very best regards, Sue