20 AUGUST 1965, Page 13

Observermess , SIR,—Being on holiday. I have only just seen

Mr.. Christopher Booker's latest essay on the Observer. Should one try to answer such a jumble of spite, arrogance and grotesque misrepresentation? Prob- ably not.

I think I can understand why Mr. Booker recently wanted a job on the Observer and now attacks the paper with such scorn. There is a distinct similarity between his own style of journalism and the kind he accuses the Observer of practising. But he. is cross that we don't adequately respect the 'new brutalism.' which he obviously venerates.

As far as I know, I have never met Mr. Booker. But I may yet have that advantage as he is the only journalist who has approached me for a job, not directly. but via a relative of mine. Which is almost as silly a point to make against him as the ones he makes against me.