Dear Mr. Cornwell: I just read the first chapter of “The Last Kingdom” in your “What’s Coming” section, and I think it rises above even your usual excellent standards. I am no longer so upset that you shelved the fourth Thomas of Hookton adventure! So how long will this series go for? Is this the first of another trilogy? I noticed that it specifies the the UK release will be in October. Will the US release be later? I hope not! Please print the cover for us to see when it is available. One more unrelated thing: You mentioned that you might write two short stories about Sharpe at Rolica and Vimeiro. I disagree. I think they are worthy of a full-length novel, and I hope you will write it when it is time to tell the story. Sincerely, Alan Kempner

Dear Bernard, The Harper Collins website in the U.S. carries no mention that I can find concerning ‘The Last Kingdom’ or any projected U.S. release date. (I understand it is to be published in the UK in October.) Have they mentioned anything to you about when ‘Kingdom’ will be published in the U.S.? Is it a 2005 publicaiton? Finally, are you giving any consideration for a U.S. book tour for Kingdom’s publicaiton? Charles