6 OCTOBER 1939, Page 20

BOOKS AND THE B.B.C.

SIR,—While fully appreciating the difficulties of the B.B.C. at the present time, three fifteen-minute talks and an occasional reference in more general talks seem to be hardly an adequate allowance for books out of a fortnight's broadcasting.

Short stories and readings from literature are all very well, but what people want now is guidance as to what to read, suggestions and reminders and the names of books and authors.

The Press of the country has responded magnificently to

this demand. Let the spoken word now be used to reinforce the written word.

This war is being fought to preserve some standards of culture and decency. English literature, old and new, re- presents the flower of this culture ; it is to be hoped that the B.B.C. will help to remind our people of this fact.—Yours,