Mr Cornwell, I am a Philadelphia Police Officer and have been a constant reader of your work since my early teens. I hold your work in the highest regard along with Robert Louis Stevenson, Alexandre Dumas or Rafael Sabatini (great forwards to the new editions of his books by the way!). You have more ways to describe the loading and firing of a musket or rifle than an eskimo has words for “ice”! Thank you so much for all the great stories you have written; hopefully you have many more to share- I just can’t wait for The Last Kingdom. As an aspiring (read: unpublished) writer your courage to simply tell entertaining stories without regard for what the Literary Establishment thinks is deeply inspiring to me. The few words you have written about composing novels have been invaluable. Any new thought? You set a very high standard, hopefully, there is a place for me in the genre of historical adventure fiction. Speaking of R.L. Stevenson, have you ever read his book The Black Arrow? I ask because while re-reading it recently; I was slightly reminded of your Thomas of Hookton series. Did RLS inspire you too write at all? Have you ever thought about writing in the period that book covers? Thanks Again, Keep Up The Great Work! -R.Kulb