Dear Mr Cornwell I have read with great enjoyment most of the Sharpe books. I have to congratulate you in producing such an accurate example of life for a soldier who has become an officer having served in the ranks. Sadly I must say that things have not changed in almost 2 centuries. I am still serving and had to laugh many times. My wife sadly is not amused but does put up with my addiction. Well done, well researched and thank you. I expect that there are many Sharpe fans like me out there reading your books with a wry smile on their faces. I have sent all of my Sharpe books to a good friend who like me is what we now call and what Sharpe was in your books ‘a late entry officer’ he is serving in Iraq on operations and I would like to send him my last book signed by yourself. If this is possible could your PA inform me please how I may do this? PM REED Major Royal Engineers