Bernard Cornwell is by far the best author to bring the middle ages to life. He blends historical events and characters with fictional characters to bring this period to life. His research and knowledge of the times comes across to the reader in a very lively and entertaining way. I have read Agincourt, the Archers tale trilogy, the Saxon series, and am now finishing up the Arthur series. They are all terrific stories and I am worried what I will do when I am finished with Excaliber. Mr. Cornwell you will just have to write more!