24 OCTOBER 1987, Page 25

Bloomsbury rissole

Sir: Alexandra Artley (Diary, 10 October) gave an account of the seminar on Ger- trude Himmelfarb's 'Victorian Values' pamphlet that must have mystified many who were present. Were we, indeed, all compelled by the 'rich mind and generosity of spirit' of the good Lord Annan? His contribution was amusing and he got in some shrewd blows at Miss Himmelfarb. It was good knock-about stuff which was generally enjoyed, but what it amounted to as an analysis of Victorian values was warmed-up Bloomsbury.

A. W. Purdue

The Old Rectory, Allendale, Near Hexham,Northumberland