Dear Mr. Cornwell: Thank you for your impeccable research! Your books, how they ring with truth!Your descriptions of the adventures of Sharpe, Uhtred and Derfel(including the countrysides)paint a vivid picture. Tolkein and O’Brian devote the same attention to the world their characters inhabit. The rich details(the birds, flowers and weapons, et al) speak of much time spent poring over dusty history tomes and natural history. You immerse your reader in the era and take no prisoners! Years ago, I picked up The Winter King and from the first page, knew I was in the hands of a master. Having just finished Death of Kings, it was time to thank you properly for the years of pleasure found in your works. Sincerely, Rudy Hurlbert