BACK TO PURITANISM
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Sist,—In your interesting article on this subject you say " there never was a time when serious literature appealed to so many people." On the contrary, I maintain that the proportion of the reading public that reads serious literature is smaller today than it was fifty years ago. I was under the impression that the number of serious books taken out from public and lending libraries is negligible compared with light fiction. Have you figures to prove ti-.e contrary ?
Later in the article you talk of the " unwholesome develop- ment of night life in great cities." Surely an infinitesimal proportion of the people of this country frequent night clubs. What " great cities " have you in mind where night life is so prevalent ? Even in London the proportion is exceedingly small and is made up largely of foreigners, visitors to this country, and a very small " smart set."
EVidently you disapprove of night life. But this country is still a free one (though a visitor might well be incredulous on the point when he experiences our innumerable petty restric: tions) and surely if people like to sit up late and enjoy them- selves (even though Heir enjoyment may seem strange to you and me), they are perfectly entitled to do so without being
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