4 MARCH 1972, Page 18

State of England

Sir: The state of England is obviously better than we had feared: Mr. Simon Raven is back amidst your pages, after too long an absence. His style is magic and, whatever his theme, his thought tickles our own dim wits to activity.

At all costs — and he probably costs a fair amount — please keep him tied to The Spectator. He and your other inspired essayists shake us out of our lethargy and weave the bright threads in our lives. Daphne F. Boulden Court Lodge, Church Path, Deal, Kent.