Dear Mr. Cornwell,

My name is Joseph and I am a senior engineering major at the University of Mississippi. I will hopefully be commissioned as an Army infantry officer soon.

I first came into contact with your work when I was 13 and I saw the Last Kingdom TV Series. I was immediately drawn to the world you created and began reading the Saxon Stories. I continued reading the series as the books came out and it has become my favorite book series. Largely based on my love for your books, I started teaching myself Old English. This was hard at first, especially since I am from a small town in Alabama. I kept up the work throughout high school and was lucky enough to have an English teacher my senior year who helped me read through Beowulf. I continued reading your books and learning more about the Anglo-Saxons and in college for an engineering project, I actually made a Saxon shield where I engraved the Wyrd bith ful aread quote into the shield boss. I used traditional woodworking and metalworking practices, and even though my Professor was confused by the language he couldn’t read, he still gave me an A.

Even though the Saxon Stories are my favorite of your books, I have also thoroughly enjoyed the Sharpe Books. the Warlord Chronicles, and have just finished the Archer’s Tale which I loved. I already have a copy of Vagabond so I will start reading that shortly.

I sincerely thank you for writing these books because they have provided me with countless hours of enjoyment. I grew up reading your books and even though I have changed in many ways since I was 13, your books still never fail to grab my attention and keep me enthralled. Thank you for all of the work you have done to bring your worlds to life. You are truly my favorite author and I am grateful for all of your work,

Very Respectfully,

Joseph Baxter