A love of lists
From Mr Roland Perry Sir: The cricket correspondent Christopher Martin-Jenkins demonstrated commendable piety and indignation in the Times (13 August) when he suggested that, in writing Bradman's Best, I had shamelessly exploited the name of my good friend Sir Donald. May I suggest that Frank Johnson in The Spectator (Shared opinion, 18 August) has similarly exploited his choices for the joint-captaincy — Plato and Aristotle?
Let me add, however, that I agree with Frank Johnson's Philosophy First XI, except for a glaring omission that has overtones of vindictiveness. Surely England's most radical, and in my opinion best, modern philosopher, Professor Brian O'Shaughnessy, author of those monumental tomes The Will and Consciousness and the World, should be in the team, even as 12th man.
Has Professor O'Shaughnessy been missed out for reasons not obvious from your clearly biased selection process? Is this the meaning behind Frank Johnson's rather pointed last line: 'No Australians were selected'? Did the good professor's accident of birth in Australia cause him to be overlooked?
Roland Perry
Elwood, Victoria, Australia
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