On a recent trip to Louisville, KY I found the Frazier History Museum. The upper floor was dedicated to British history. The first display had a video regarding battle in a shield wall. Having just finished “Death of Kings” the previous night, I was hooked. Later displays walked me through the battles of Crecy (Thomas of Hookton) and Agincourt. India and the battle of Assaye started me on my Sharpe’s journey. The Napoleonic War era display contained a 7-barreled volley gun, ala Sgt Harper. The museum-hired actor portrayed rifleman Harris of the 95th Rifles. When he asked if anyone knew why his jacket was green instead of red, I had an answer. In our conversation after the performance, I convinced him to read “The Fort”. And though it may seem backwards, your writing made the displays come alive. Thank you for your superb writing. Your battle descriptions are terrific. Having read most of your novels, I anxiously await the next. 1356 was on my Christmas list.
Randall G. Laird