Dear Mr Cornwell,
I am a history student sitting his final year of school (year 12) in Sydney, Australia. I am a tremendous admirer of your works and after reading the first few novels in the Warrior Chronicles series a few years ago, I became fixated by the tremendous scale and importance of Alfred and the Saxon’s place in the formation of Britain, (being an Australian, there was little interest in such things), and as an elective course this year I chose to explore this history in my Historical Investigation, making up a majority of my marks.

If possible, I would be infinitely grateful if I were able to ask you a few questions to help me.

Firstly, what kind of research was required to develop the character of Alfred in your novels?

To what extent, in your words, is Alfred influential in the formation of the English people and culture?

Is Alfred and the Anglo Saxon period being done justice in the intellectual, cultural and artistic realms of British, and International, society?

I understand that as a prominent and successful novelist you most likely have not got the time of day to answer the queries of a teenager, but conversely, should you find the time to answer my questions I would be very thankful.

I look forward to more cracking novels from you,
Yours,
Patrick Mercer