AMERICAN LITERATURE
SIR,—Pharos's American friend has reason to be dismayed at the 'lack of knowledge even educated people in this country display in matters concerning American culture.' The 130 or so members of the British Association for American Studies, most of whom teach in British universities, know very well what he means and arc trying to do something about it, both individually and co-operatively. However, the situation is not quite as dreadful as
Pharos makes out. It is not true that American literature is entirely neglected, even if no formal teaching of the subject is carried on at Oxford or Cambridge. King's College, London, has for some time offered a course in American literature. Not- tingham University has introduced courses in American literature and thought. And Manchester University has provided courses in American litera- ture since 1949. Two years ago it established a lecture- ship in American literature; and in the current academic session students at Manchester can take full courses in nineteenth-century American litera- ture, twentieth-century American literature, Henry James, and the modern American novel. So far as I know, these three universities are the only ones so far to have taken the plunge, though individual dons in other places are keenly interested.
It could also be argued that 'the great cultural debates that have formed American civilisation' are dealt with to some extent through the teaching of American history, which unlike literature finds a place in the curricula of most British universities.
In general, though, more power to Pharos's pro- posed agitation.—Yours faithfully, MARCUS CUNLIFFE
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