Dear Mr Cornwell,
I hope this message, which I thank you in advance for taking the time to read, finds you well.
In April 2023, I began dating the most wonderful girl I have ever met, and this most wonderful girl introduced me to a television series called “The Last Kingdom”.
I became hooked immediately, and within a couple of months I had completed all five series, as well as “The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die”. Such was my love for the show that, when it ended, I wasn’t ready to leave Uhtred behind. Therefore, I decided to start purchasing and reading your series of books.
Before beginning your books, my love of reading had been steadily declining since the start of my secondary school education. By the end of my English Literature degree in 2018, it had all but disappeared. I didn’t like that I had little or no choice in what I could read, and the texts assigned to me were, more often than not, very dull!
However, having read just a few pages of “The Last Kingdom” in October 2023, I felt myself reconnecting with a young boy who had rarely been seen without a book in his hands.
Between October 2023 and October 2024, I read your books every spare moment I had (mainly on the train to work or just before bed), and whenever I finished one, I would pop into a charity shop in search of the next. I find it very enjoyable sourcing books in this way, as I can go on a little treasure hunt and, if I find the book I need, donate to a good cause. “The Empty Throne” was one book I did not need to source in this way because, many years ago, an old friend had gifted it to me. At the time, it went straight on the highest shelf to gather dust (my poor friend wasn’t to know of my growing indifference to reading), but it seems I was destined to read it after all – wyrd bið ful aræd!
When I finished the final page of “War Lord”, it was bittersweet. On the one hand, I realised that there were no more adventures for Uhtred to embark upon, but on the other, I knew that my passion for reading had been well and truly reignited. For this, Mr Cornwell, I want to say a heartfelt thank you.
Also, I want to thank you and “The Last Kingdom” series for reminding me that this country has such a rich history. I have always loved history, and I was lucky to be able to study Medieval History as one of my A-Levels. However, like you, very little was taught to me about the formation of England, which seems strange for two reasons. Firstly, the topics that are taught almost universally (Henry VIII springs to mind) aren’t, in my opinion, all that consequential. Secondly, the incredible feats of Edward, Aethelflaed, Aethelstan, Alfred, etc. deserve more attention, as if it wasn’t for them, there wouldn’t even be an England. In my view, Alfred’s turning of the tide at Ethandun is the most significant moment in this country’s history, and more people should know about it. Indeed, he has become a bit of a hero for me since engaging with “The Last Kingdom”, and I visited his statue in Winchester recently. I hope to continue learning about him and the formation of England, and I have even tried to find a master’s degree on the subject!
Finally, I would like you to know that your work has inspired me to revisit writing my own stories, poems, etc. I have even dreamed of screenwriting for a remake of “The Last Kingdom” television series, if there ever is one. I think Alexander Dreymon could make a cameo appearance as Ravn? Whoever decided to cast him as Uhtred is a genius!
I would like to thank you once more for how your work has significantly enriched my life. I hope to visit Bamburgh Castle soon, and my brother has just bought me the first two Sharpe books, which I can’t wait to read.
Very best wishes,
James