I  have just started reading Shape books, a bit late in life but I was put off by the TV series : for many years I have been visiting battle sites of the peninsular war and your writing, although not historically accurate, gives what seems to me a good description of what life for soldiers was like in those time.
I have just watched your address to students at Hartford and I think that you should enter politics: I have not heard such common sense coupled with humour for a long time. I also know that you do not want suggestions for books but a Life of Wellington would be  apiece of cake for you.
Kind Regards

David Pimblett