Dear Mr. Cornwell,

My father was the family geneologist and has traced our family back to the times of the Normans in Westmorland.  He knew we had descended from the Danes, Britons, and Scots, and probably numerous other peoples that make up of fabric of the borderlands.  I never much enjoyed his writings…the names and dates really did not mean that much to me…until I read your books and you brought to these peoples to life and made my ancestors seem so much closer.  Sadly, my father passed away before I was to share his passion with him – but I will carry the torch for my descendants.  I have turned on my sons (ages 22-31) to your Saxon tales series and it has helped to begin our discussions about our ancestors in Northern England and Southern Scotland.  The surnames include: Richardson, Alden (John Alden descendant – but we believe the Aldens were from Essex) Liddle, Longmire, and Johnstone.  We also know they fought for and against the Danes, Britons, Mercians,Northumbrians, Scots, English,
Percy, Douglas, and probable the Romans and Picts before that.

Just a note acknowledging your great skill and thanking you for bringing history to a very exciting and enjoyable life!  I have not read all your Sharp’s series but have read all your other books with the Archer’s Tales and Saxon Chronicles  my favorites.

Thank you for making me realize that history is about people.  And while my ancestors were mostly among the unnamed soldiers in opposing armies and border raiders, your words paint a vivid picture of the times in which they lived and the events that affected their lives.  Please accept my thanks.

Kind Regards,
Tom Richardson