Mr.Cornwell, First, let me say that I am a big fan of your work. I have read over a half a dozen of your books, and I am just getting started on the Sharpe series. You are a writer of unusual talent. Second, I have some information to impart. I am a rennaissance fencing enthusiast of several years experience. We work to revive the historical fighting techniques of our ancestors from period manuals written by the men who used them. As such, part of our mission is to dispell some of the myths that abound concerning swordsmanship. For instance, when Uhtred picks up a viking sword in the beginning of the Saxon Series, the point drags the ground because he hasn’t the strength to swing it. The reality is that a viking sword usually weighed less than three pounds and some were very little over two pounds. With the weight balanced only four to five inches in front of the crossgaurd. Another instance is in the Grail Series, when they are taking a town and Thomas ends up with a Falchion it is described (I am going from memory here)as nothing but an oversized cleaver, or words to that effect. The reality is that the falchion, as with any sword, can be used with great skill and finesse. (See Leckukner’s messer manual) While Thomas may not have that skill, he would certainly understand that it exists. While I realize that you obviously can’t go back and rewrite. And even changing things from book to book in an established series could be artisticly problematic. Not to mention that these are miniscule issues in the scheme of things. However, considering your attention to detail I thought you might be interested in the information I could provide. Please consider perusing the information and articles on www.thearma.org for further enlightenment. Thank you for your time. Respectfully, Jeff Hansen