12 SEPTEMBER 1968, Page 26

Sir: All who had pleasure in, and admiration for, Harold

Nicolson's 'Marginal Comments,' and his broadcasts during the 1930s decade must be greatly saddened by the revelation of the seamy, sordid and foolish side of Nicolson which we are shown in the volume of his Diaries and Letters 1945-62.

In death we are dependent on the wisdom, good taste, and care of our friends and rela- tions, and others. Why have these been so lack- ing in his son, who has done so great a disser- vice to his father and his father's public?

Perhaps Professor Hugh Trevor-Roper's witty and perspicuous review was a little cruel (6 Sep- timber), but it made sadly good reading, and, had it dealt with the living, would have been unalloyed fun.

E. M. J. Pleister 10 Manor Court, Pinehurst, Grange Road, Cambridge