Dear Mr. Cornwell,
It is my most fervent wish that you survive me on this earth. I would be greatly saddened if I were not to know whether Uhtred ever regains Bebbanburg.
I presume, and I think justifiably so, that this letter is at the long end of a queue of mail from readers who have had the joy and entertainment in the reading of your novels. “For these thy gifts, we thank you” is a cry of many, as is mine.
The Sharpe series have been read and reread and reread through the years; the Saxon series have honed mental excitement at the shield walls; while the other novelae kept me awake long after usual bedtimes.
In essence, I wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting with you (and perhaps lunch) and listen to you as you explored in your mind those exciting adventures.
Ad multos annos, my literary and quasi historical companion,
Eugene S. Jursek M.D.