`Sharp and funny ... His combination of wit, adventure and deft characterisation succeeds triumphantly' THE TIMES
`Fools and Mortals is a delight. Witty and knowledgeable in its evocation of Shakespearean London ... highly enjoyable' BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE
`Cornwell not only succeeds in creating an engaging story, but also in celebrating the difficulties and delights, at any time in history, of putting on a show' THE SUNDAY TIMES
`Cornwell leads us effortlessly through palaces and playhouses with the skill of a master storyteller who loves this period of history' DAILY EXPRESS
`With all the vivid history that is his trademark, Bernard Cornwell transports the readers to the playhouses, backstreets and palaces of Shakespeare's London with added depth and compassion, and a likeable hero' Philippa Gregory
`A cracking novel ... the atmosphere and intrigues of this dangerous time are vividly realised. A smash hit' THE TIMES
`Story and characters crackle off the page as do the stink and violence of Elizabethan London. The author of the Sharpe and Last Kingdom bestsellers has pulled off a surprise for his readers - and a terrific one at that' Elizabeth Buchan, DAILY MAIL
The Times Saturday Review Book of the Month
`Cornwell is an enthusiastic amateur dramatist. His portrayal of the actors' rivalries and superstitions is sharp and often funny. His combination of wit, adventure and deft characterisation is a triumphant departure from his usual territory' THE TIMES
`Cornwell mixes the dark realities of history with pacy dialogue ... vividly entertaining' DAILY EXPRESS
Praise for Bernard Cornwell:
'Strong narrative, vigourous action and striking characterisation, Cornwell remains king of the territory he has staked out as his own' SUNDAY TIMES
`Cornwell draws a fascinating picture of England as it might have been before anything like England existed' THE TIMES
`He's called a master storyteller. Really he's cleverer than that' TELEGRAPH