24 AUGUST 1996, Page 20

Avoid sneering

Sir: I read Michael Coveney's letter attack- ing Milton Shulman (10 August) with some concern.

As a critic Michael Coveney is fluent, plausible and available, which makes him popular with the BBC, who like that sort of thing, and also renders him highly visible in other media.

I should like to advise him that a pro- longed sneer is no substitute for rational argument.

Neil Stanley

23 Storth Park, Fulwood Road, Sheffield