Dear Mr Cornwell,

Given that this year is the 200th Anniversary of Waterloo, I imagine that there is a renewed interest in your splendid “Sharpe’s Waterloo”. We hear a lot about how Waterloo was not only an Iconic and Dreadful event but how it changed the face of Europe.

However, the Iconoclast in me wonders, had Bonaparte won, would the modern World actually be significantly different? Principally, would the rein placed on a Prussia led, united Germany have led to a more peaceful last 200 years? Impossible to answer, I know but I’d be intrigued to hear your opinion.

Thanks,

Keith Harris, Nottinghamshire.