23 MAY 1992, Page 27

Offence and defence

Sir: Geoffrey Wheatcroft, writing about Martin Stannard's book on Evelyn Waugh, (Books, 25 April) says, 'Oh, for Christ's sake, Stannard, put a sock in it!'

I was sorry to see Wheatcroft using Christ's name to give emphasis to his views. Such a practice offends Christian believers and, whether or not one is religious, it is regrettable that the name of an outstanding historical man should be cheapened in this way.

Richard E Twist

16 Foxes Dale, London SE3