18 JUNE 1937, Page 21

-BENTLEY THREE-DECKERS

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I am much distressed to have given an impression of " arrogance " by my comment on the ephemeral nature of the large majOrity of Bentley and Son's novels. As I re-read my article, I admit that the word " rubbish " seems discourieous (though most of us apply it daily to many things which do not strictly deserve it) ; and as discourtesy is 'the last thing .I should wish, I hasten to withdraw it.

But as for the general issue on which Mrs. Bentley takes me to task, I confess that I do not find my remarks either unjustifiable or ungracious, even by her naturally more exacting standards. d have not, of course, read all the Bentley novels ; but I think I singled out for mention all those novelists published by the firm whose literary importance could be maintained today by the most partial apologist, and from their paucity in a distinguished list I drew my " chastening reflection " on publishing as a whole. I neither suggested nor supposed that Bentley's contemporaries would have come more creditably out of what I called " so severe a test," any more than today's publishers will in fifty years time. For the light reading of 1937 is no doubt even trashier than that of our grandmothers, and it will be even more quickly forgotten, if only because there is no Bentley to deck it in charming and fantastic clothes for the admiration of future bibliophiles.

. Finally, Mrs. Bentley accuses me of " forgetting that a publisher lives on a contemporary market," maintaining (as if I had doubted it) " that Bentley and Son were shrewd publishers—which, after all, is what they aspired to be." But my own words were that " Bentleys' record as fiction publishers is more remarkable for its commercial success than for the uncovering of conspicuous talent."

I submit, Sir, that on this point at any rate we are really in agreement, and I- much regret that any ill-considered phrase of mine should have persuaded Mrs. Bentley otherwise.—

Your obedient servant, JOHN CARTER. 23 Bedford Square, London, W.C.t.