Dear Mr Cornwell, I am writing to say how much i enjoy the Sharpe books,I became a convert by accident,my Father obsessed with Sharpe and going around the house singing (O’er the hills and far away), After a year or so I decided to watch with him an episode (which he a possibly seen 10 times) and found it fascinating,However being a reader rather than a watcher I decided to buy a book. now Hooked. I started collecting copies in any condition, then 1st edition hardbacks, then signed (no money left for going out). Having collected most of your later Sharpe books I discovered on e-bay the holy grail (Sharpe’s Sword),Just had to bid ( no holiday this year) I got it. there is an inscription inside which says (for Peggy with all our love Judy & Bernard May 1993. then last week I discovered on the internet a copy of Sharpe’s Eagle at a London dealer, it gave reference to a letter from yourself to a Mr Goldring saying you had given the book to Thomas Blackburn a Poet, anyway the price was more than 2 years holidays so I just kept wondering if these 2 books belonged together. Today I received a parcel, guess what Sharpe’s Eagle,your letter to Mr Goldring dated23/3/98 saying the book with dedication to Thomas Blackburn was the very first copy (What a Dad) My question is did these books sit on the shelf together once,if so that is wonderful and I would make sure they stay never get separated again. If not too personal could you expand on your relationship with the Blackburns? here’s hoping for a new Sharpe soon. All my love Gemma Parker