BIOGRAPHERS' STAND-BY'S
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—If through any mischance you become either a convict or an explorer your reading material may for long periods be restricted.
On my last sledging journey the four books (Vanity Fair, Emma, Barchester Towers and a pocket atlas) taken by my party were soon exhausted and for the rest of the expedition conversation was our only recreation when we were confined to the tent during a blizzard. As we lay in our sleeping bags while the snow volleyed and drummed against the side of the tent many arguments took place. Perhaps the most popular was a discussion as to who are the four men who have 'been most written about, in biography or fiction. We agreed that Jesus Christ and Napoleon, respectively, hold the first two places. Can any of your readers tell us who come next ?- I am, Sir, &c., MARTIN LINDSAY. Royal Geographical Society.
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