25 AUGUST 1973, Page 5

History and fiction

From Mrs G. M. Flower Sin I read your review of ' The Lion of England ' in the issue dated July 28 and was astonished at the seemingly vindictive tone and would have thought that the' historical tit-bits' so cuttingly referred to were the reality of any historical novel.

I can only assume that your reviewer has a muddled mind if he thinks that the author, quote, gets herself into the most terrible muddles." I found the book clear and straightforward to read. It did occur to me that the reviewer has not in fact read the book but merely skimmed through it as the relationship between Becket and Henry Ii is so vividly drawn that the "fatal fascination " (a most trite expression I might add) should be apparent to the meanest intelligence.

The book is one of the most realistic and enjoyable historical novels I have read in a long time. G. M. Flower 1 Sylva Court, 81 Putney Hill, London SW15