Hello Mr Cornwell. I was in my local bookshop looking at a book which was receiving a promotional push, by Simon Scarrow. I noticed you were quoted on the front jacket, so I assume you would recommend his ‘Eagle’ series about the Roman invasion of Britain (although the set-up of 2 differing characters becoming great friends smacked of Sharpe and Harper). Secondly, on the same visit I bought my wife the new Sebastian Faulks book (she’s a great fan) and I recounted a story to her which I am sure was about you and him, discussing your writing before a rugby international? If I have this wrong please say, but are you a great friend of Mr Faulks. And if so, do you view Birdsong as a truly great book? Nick R