Dear Mr Cornwell

 

Thank you very much for your books. I’ve just finished reading the Saxon Chronicles, and I’m very grateful for all that time I spent with lord Uthred and King Alfred the Great. Before reading your books I had no idea about the role of King Alfred in creating the English kingdom. Now he is one of my favorite historical characters and I’m very proud of the fact that Wessex royal dynasty (Alfred’s legacy) was connected with Rurikids by princess Githa who, as you may know, found the new home in Rus and became the first wife of grand prince Monomakh.

 

My actual question is about the Uhtred way of thinking. Just like Galahad in Arthur books Uhtred thinks the world falling into darkness as he is surrounded by ruins of roman civilization which cannot be restored by Saxons or Vikings.

 

But what would he think about Constantinople if he had a chance to see that magnificent city?

 

In the times of Uhtred Constantinople was a capital of the Byzantine empire, it was still a great Roman city. It was also a center of eastern Christianity. The sight of Hagia Sofia and other churches inspired russian prince Vladimir to choose the Orthodox faith. So what would be Uhtred’s and maybe Derfel’s or Galahad’s impression? Would these characters change their pessimistic point of view?

 

Please excuse my English. I don’t have enough practice in Russia.

 

Best Regards,

Dmitry from Moscow.