Dear Mr. Cornwell, I teach history ancient and medieval worlds at Randolph School in Huntsville, Alabama. I was a graduate student working the registration desk when you spoke here at ‘The Consortium on Revolutionary Europe’ a few years ago. I deeply regret not seeking you out when I had the opportunity, but at the time I was not familiar with your work. Last year while perusing the history section at a local bookseller for inspiration, I came across The Archer’s Tale and I recognized your name. I quickly become an ardent fan, devouring the rest of The Grail Quest, The Warlord Chronicles, and The Saxon series. I just completed The Gallows Thief after reading recommendations on your website. I agree with readers who would relish another Rider Sandman adventure! As you can see from the letter below, I also recommend your books to my students. Strong students will discuss them with me enthusiastically for hours. I also suggest them to students who are struggling, however. Recently, I received a letter from such a young man and I wanted to share it with you. We seem to make a successful team. Together I believe we can rescue the discipline of history from the clutches of lifeless writing and mundane teaching. My sincere thanks for your invaluable contribution to the craft. Barbara Wrenn Wright

‘Dear Mrs. Wright, Before Spring Break, you suggested to my brother that he might enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s books, and he loved them. He suggested that I read them, but I did not. However, one day on the way to visit my Great-Aunt, I was tired of reading an English book. I was behind in it, but I found it really boring. As a break, I put down the English book and took up An Archer’s Tale. I could not put it down, it must have seemed that all I did was read that book. In two days time, I had finished that book and was starting on the next&. I finished the second book and started another one&. It was the first time I ever got in trouble for spending too much time reading. If it were not for these books, I would not be the reader I am now. This reading has helped to bring up all my grades by a tremendous amount. You are one of the best teachers I have ever had. I always thought history was a stupid and boring subject, but, thanks to you, I now think it is one that is extremely interesting. Thank you so much for all your hard work. See you next year!’