Comments on Layers of Thought: Review by JD: The Archer’s Tale by Bernard Cornwel...

Hi Charlie, That makes me feel a little better! ...

2010-03-06T18:16:28.715-07:00

Hi Charlie,

That makes me feel a little better!

I'll probably read a few books from other authors before I go back to Cornwell again. But I do need to think about which of his to line up. I'll probably give the Hundred Years War a break.

The Arthurian one that Aarti mentioned sounds intriguing. Have you read it? Any recommendations? Thanks,

John

I don't think using a book that had maps was nerdy...

2010-03-06T13:26:47.434-07:00

I don't think using a book that had maps was nerdy at all--quite an aid, as a matter of fact.

I know a lady on LibraryThing who is a Civil War buff and she has books of maps for the same reason.

Thanks Charlie. And you are so right about the map...

2010-03-06T11:27:44.023-07:00

Thanks Charlie. And you are so right about the maps - I even had my Hundred Years War history book out while I was reading the novel, so I could cross reference the maps and get a better mental picture of what was happening and where. How nerdy is that - sad!

Either I've been away for a month or you and Shell...

2010-03-05T18:58:16.833-07:00

Either I've been away for a month or you and Shellie are knocking posts out left and right!

I mentioned in my review of Agincourt that much of it sounded familiar, and of course it was from The Archer's Tale.

That said, I think that Crecy was the finest battle scene I've ever read in fiction. Cornwell does do a lot of research, but I often wonder why the maps aren't better.

A good review, John, and thanks for the shout.

Hi Aarti, Thanks for the comment. I see from your...

2010-03-03T10:36:47.225-07:00

Hi Aarti,

Thanks for the comment. I see from your blog that you seem to have quite an interest in English history. I do too, though my interest is a bit spotty - ranging from totally fascinated to kind or bored. So much depends on the medium/teacher.

These Cornwell books aren't for everyone though I thoroughly enjoyed the two I've read so far. The Arthurian one you mentioned might be my next choice of his books to read. Good storytellers can have a field day with that material.

I admit Cornwell's books confuse me sometimes as t...

2010-03-03T10:18:06.401-07:00

I admit Cornwell's books confuse me sometimes as they are set all over British history and seem sometimes to have the same sorts of titles. I have the first in his Arthurian series on my shelf. I have also read his Gallows Thief, and enjoyed it, but he didn't continue that mystery bent of his series at all. Glad you enjoyed this one!