Dear Mr Cornwell, I am writing to you because I would like to congratulate you on your inspiring Sharpe books and on the movies based on them (I’ve seen all of the a few times over). I know they’re several years old now but I am from the Czech Republic and for some reason the series have never been broadcasted there and the books are not well known either. I only discovered them after I moved to the UK. I found it very interesting, especially as I have a personal interest in that period. I was born in Znojmo (also know as Znaim), a lovely Czech town only about 50 miles from Slavkov (which you will probably know it by it’s German name, Austerlitz). Five years after the Battle of Austerlitz, there was the Battle of Znojmo (in July 1809) between the French and Austrian armies that took place in and nearby my hometown. In the end the out-numbered Austrians, led by Archduke Charles, surrendered to the French and accepted what has become to be known as the Armistice of Znaim. This year is its 200th anniversary. When I was at school we were taught quite a bit about this part of the Napoleonic wars but somehow the fighting in Portugal and Spain was rarely mentioned. I did not realise how much was happening there until I saw Sharpe. The TV series inspired me find out more about it and to read the books, too.. I am reading them in chronological order and at the moment I am reading Sharpe’s Fury. The books are, in my opinion, a lot better than the movies but I also understand that it is not possible to make the books into movies in such detail as they’re written. My favourite books so far are the three Indian ones (Sharpe’s Tiger, Triumph and Fortress), Sharpe’s Eagle, Havoc and Gold (I really love this one). Do you think there is a chance of another book based in India? Or perhaps you could write a book about the Battle of Austerlitz (or Znojmo, but that would be too much to ask, I suppose), without Sharpe’s presence unfortunately (not even he can be everywhere), but it would still make a great reading. There aren’t many authors writing about this part of history anymore. Thank you. Finally, I’d like to wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2010. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, Miss Zuzana Venhodova