Dear Mr. Cornwell,

I just want to thank you for hours of delightful stories. I have only finished “The Empty Throne”, at 3 a.m., simply because I had to read it till the very last page. I admire the research you always do and the fact that you list specifically the names you invented along with the actual historical names and locations – this is very informative, and checking respective places on the map has always been part of the fun for me. I came by your books by accident really – sometime in the early 2000s I was looking for a holiday read and found a paperback of “Enemy of God”. (Sadly, Polish translation was poor, to say the least.) At first your depiction of the Arthurian universe was a shock, it was so unorthodox, but I kept on reading and I realized two things: one, that I loved it, and two, that I really needed to get the whole trilogy in English, which I finally did. This is by far my favorite series, closely followed by Uhtred’s adventures. (The process of creating one Engla(la)nd is fascinating for someone like me, who has never learnt about it in such detail at school, and I keep comparing it with what was happening in Poland at the time – I wish we had an author like you who would create such a brilliant series about our history as well – certain attempts were made, but nowhere near your level – lucky Brits!) I love the whole spectrum of characters you created – they are alive, with all their virtues and vices, whether weak, powerful, generous, funny, wise, or silly. I particularly like your descriptions of, and comments on, women (in the context of religion, men, power, social status) – privileged as we are to live in reasonably women-friendly times, the world still needs someone like you to make a statement, and for that I thank you, as it certainly makes a difference. And thank you for all the humor – whenever I feel down, I remember Merlin’s recipe for a perfect cheese.

I’ve just found out about the BBC show and the new Uhtred book and can’t wait for the fall!

Thank you again, and best greetings from Poland –

Ewa Lebiedowska (which to you must look as exotic as Culhwch or Gwenhwyvach seem to me)