Dear Mr Cornwell I recently read ‘Redcoat’ by Professor Richard Holmes, military historian and presenter of the excellent series “War Walks” . The opening narrative chapter of his book is written in a style similar to your own and I cannot help but feel that he is a great fan of your work, but kicks himself for not thinking of a character like Sharpe before you did. Have you ever met him and what feedback do you get from academics about your work? Do they welcome your achievements in opening their subject up to a wider audience, or do they feel that you are diverting attention away from ‘serious’ academic works. Do you care one way or another? Incidently. I am re-reading your Starbuck series again, after giving Sharpe a rest for a little while, and can now appreciate them as great books in their own right. Many thanks for the years of pleasure your writing has given me and the interest in different historical periods it has fostered. Best regards, Andy Bellinger