28 MAY 1977, Page 18

Limited period

Sir: I understand and appreciate the point Mary Renault is making (21 May), but not her complaint against me. As I made clear (Spectator, 23 April), I was reviewing 8, book about homosexuals since 1500, an any generalisations obviously applied to that period. In fact, I specifically say that where homosexuality is more socially acceptable, some of these generalisations would cease to be valid.

Robert Skidelsky 18 Abinger Road, London W4