16 FEBRUARY 2002, Page 32

'Punch' plea

From Professor Peter Mellini Sir: Would your readers have any anecdotes or suggestions to help me write a history/biography of Punch, 1841-1992, another national institution like The Spectator? Send them, please, to Professor Peter Mellini, 56 Brodrick Road, London SW17 7DY; tel: 020 8672 2730; email: pmelliniayahoo.com.