Dear Mr Cornwell I am delighted to be a keen reader of your most excellent work and I would like to thank you for assisting my interest in history. Having read most of your books, I find myself going through much deeper research than your brief historical notes provide. This really does put ‘meat on the bones’. You obviously have a passion for history and research. Having read your books whilst serving in the Royal Navy, I now get most from the wonderful RNIB Talking Books Service (I lost my sight 15 years ago whilst serving). I appreciate the detail and descriptions you paint, and I am keen to know if you are indeed a yachty? The exquisite tale of the ‘Sea Lord’, made great reading and I think would be an excellent film – based in and around Stonehouse and the yard near the Cremyll Ferry! I also thoroughly enjoyed ‘Sharpe’ and his travels, though not entirely convinced that Sean Bean was the best man for your character!(Maybe it is because my wife thinks he’s a bit dishy and I am slightly envious) A few years ago I made a study of a great man of India, Tipu Sultan. On a trip to Bangalore, I made a semi-pilgrimage to Seringapatam. His mosque town and temples are breathtaking but the feather in the cap is the beautiful mausoleum, complete with images of Red Coats and slayed tiger. I can recommend a trip, and also take in the palace in Mysore. It is a shame Sharpey had to destroy such a great and egalitarian leader. Thanks for the continuing pleasure, my wife wants you to retire so she is not in competition with my CD Reader! If you are passing by Camberley, send me a mail and I will put the kettle on. You are invited. Best Wishes and good health Steve Evans