Bernard Cornwell Book \’The Burning Land\’ Out Now

The Author of the Sharpe series of books Bernard Cornwell releases his New Work, \’The burning Land\’ on the 1st of October in the UK. His previous book \’Azincourt\’ sold well entering the New York Times list at number 4, and staying there for a number of weeks, Azincourt reported to of sold over 100,000 copies in the UK in the first month.

Bernard Cornwell is a substantial writer and has authored over 40 novels, which include the Richard Sharpe series of books set in Napoleonic War, and the much acclaimed Warlord Series which chronicle a fresh and feisty retelling of the Arthur Pendragon saga.

The book is the fifth instalment in the Saxon Chronicles series of novels following on from The Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, The Lords of the North and Sword Song. It focuses on the continuing saga of Uhtred of Bebbanburg as he fights for King Alfred against the threatening Viking forces.

The story will continue as Uhtred faces the potential invader and would be king of Wessex, Harald Bloodhair. Who due to King Alfred\’s weak health seeks the throne, as England appears weak and vulnerable to the land hungry Vikings. The Book reaches its climax as both forces prepare to meet for a decisive battle at Farnham in Sussex.

Like many books this autumn its release date has been timed to avoid a clash with Dan Browns latest release the Lost Symbol, and a gap of a good 2 Weeks has been left to enable the book to get the much needed promotional space both online and in bookstores.

The book is due a January release in the US which is after the Christmas period for reasons which are beyond our comprehension, unless books are not usually bought as Christmas presents in the States.

The Richard Sharpe Series of Books written by Bernard Cornwell has been a firm favourite of fans of historical fiction for a number of years now, and has also been adapted into a TV drama featuring Sean Bean amongst others. Notable amongst the books as a great example is Sharpes Sword.

Second Hand Books Shops Not Feeling Charitable Towards Oxfam

Oxfam is under fire from second hand book dealers. It is rare that organisations feel the need criticise such a well loved charity as Oxfam. But things have got so bad for second hand book dealers that they are willing to speak out and claim that Oxfams charity bookshops are putting them out of business.

Booksellers claim that Oxfam is the “Tesco of the second hand book market” and that unfair competition from Oxfam is responsible for the closure of many seconds hand book shops recently.

Oxfam opened its first bookshop in 1987 and now has 121 bookshops in different parts of the UK. Oxfam has sold over 19 million pounds worth of books in the last year, and is currently the largest retailer of second hand books in Europe.

Book Dealers are arguing that Oxfam is able to compete unfairly in the marketplace due to there charitable status, they get free staffing from volunteers , they do not have to pay for stock and they get an 80% reduction on business rates.

Oxfam have responded by stating that there are many other factors currently affecting the viability of second hand book sellers, such as the fall in new book prices due to big retailers, and the ability to buy second hand books online.

Dealers are unclear about what measures should be taken. Do they want Oxfam prohibited from selling books? Do they object to an obvious charity receiving charitable status? Do they wish for free product and staffing to be donated to themselves by general populace so they can make personal profit?