16 JULY 1988, Page 23

Wants to be alone

Sir: I find myself in such agreement with Miss Brookner (Books, 25 June) about (a) the importance of being alone, and (b) Gibbon's 'Solitude is the school of genius.'

But hasn't she noticed that this does not apply to the great majority of people, who cannot bear being by themselves alone? So, hasn't Miss Brookner noticed that Mrs Thatcher is in keeping with the great majority? And Miss Brookner's diatribe against her completely misses the mark.

It makes me laugh — so like the Left intellectuals, who think themselves so su- perior and get it wrong. And then are left wondering what has hit them.

A. L. Rowse

St Austell, Cornwall