Dear Mr Cornwell(Bernard for I despise formality)

May I take the opportunity to thank you for the creation of Richard Sharpe and the rather enthralling book on Waterloo as a historical novel.

I find myself in a relatively envious position compared to your American followers as  I have been able to watch all the Sharpe series on television in the UK. Admittedly, I have not read the books but I have no doubt that the programmes stay faithful to them. To my mind, they allow the watcher to fantasise about the Napoleonic and Peninsula wars, particularly in the respect of seeing ones self as Richard Sharpe; as a swashbuckling, heroic and romantic figure. Imagine my delight to buy and read the novel surrounding the factual progression of the battle of Waterloo, its many twists and turns, the good fortune afforded the allied forces of Wellesley and Blucher, the monumental mistakes on both sides, the bravery of many of the protagonists and the personal testimonials of many of the troops.

I thank you for this and look forward to your next publication.

Paul Seward