24 JULY 1982, Page 16

Sir: Mr Richard West's article on the book trade is

a frightening picture of the frustra- tion of communication between authors and readers — due to an 'unholy alliance' consisting of pornographers, destructive local authorities, catchpenny publishers, subversive trade unions and disillusioned authors.

In view of the resounding success of the Campaign for Real Ale is it not time that some disinterested individuals started a Campaign for Real Books?

Edward Turnbull

38, Elsdon Road, Gosforth, Northumberland