Wow, this guy does do his homework about the history of Britain.  It makes the whole story of Arthur seem as if it actually did happen, or at least it ties in with the events of those years in British History when there could have been the kinds of politics and madness that he weaves into this story.  The sword being on the stone, rather then plunged into it, and Lancelot being a well known warrior, these depictions draw you in, if you love historical novels, and I do.  His tale is plausible and likable, and the whole story of Excalibur was well written.  I do like just a bit more background with my characters, and it may be that Mr. Cornwell thought of them as too overdone and well characterized by other works, to go into these details too completely.  It would have been fun to read a little more about how Arthur and Guinevere got to know each other, and what it was about there meetings that made the match between these two people, so right for that time, in that place.  What a wonderful experience reading the Winter King was for so many people.  Mr. Cornwell must be so pleased to have created such a moment in time, for us all.