hi Mr Cornwell I am just writing to tell you how much I enjoy your books. I can’t say I have read all of them or will, though I will try. I am almost finished the Arthur trilogy and I can see why you say it is your favourite. The characters are so deep and real. Derfel is probably one of the greatest characters ever invented in my opinion. As always the books are filled with pant-wetting action and excitement, but it is not that that catches me. As I am not the world’s greatest living authority on your books, I cannot say whether it is only in this trilogy or in other books as well but you give extraordinary insight into society and human nature. To list a few examples, the conversation that Derfel has with Igraine about love, and how no one is born equal. Another example is when Derfel, Guinevere and Ceinwyn are having the conversation with the Bard. They talk about the technique of bards, and how some use harmony and others use raw emotion (I’m sorry if my recollection is a bit hazy, I don’t have the book in front of me). This conversation is so true to this day and relates to film literature and music. And if I may be so bold, relates to your books. Your books are accessible to everyone and not pretentious in any way. One does not have to be a Literature major to enjoy them (which I am obviously not). Every person I have got to read your books has enjoyed them, and asked for more. Many of these are people that do not usually read voluntarily. I hope that you will carry on writing such excellent and exciting books for many years to come. Thanks for hours of brilliant entertainment, Alexis. p.s Sharpe is a great character, and is the complete opposite of Sir Harry Flashman, who I am sure have read. They both have similar adventures, though one is a hero and the other a toady.