I’m delighted to say that my bookshelves contain copies of almost all of your novels, with the exception of the Starbuck series, for some reason I’ve never really taken to them. However, it’s difficult to imagine someone who can tell an historical novel with more gusto and panache. I came to your writing through the Sharpe chronicles, which were wonderful, but I think that you surpassed even that level of excitement with the Arthurian series, the Thomas of Hookton trilogy and my absolute favourite the Anglo-saxon stories featuring Uhtred. Your ability to present complex characters who engage on so many levels astounds me and I think that, amongst current English Authors, only the late David Gemmell shared the same talent. Of course I am very much looking forward to reading Azincourt but am waiting expectantly for the next Uhtred in 2009. Like so many others I would like to thank you for the many hours of pleasure that you have given through your works, long may you continue to do so and roll on the day when Uhtred finally regains his Bebbanburg birthright. Peter Brackley