Sir: You (and your readers, perhaps) may be interested in
David Holbrook's triumphant riPoste to the suggestion in my last letter that he might get more attention for his message if he presented it coolly, factually, rationally, logically, objectively, intelligently — and courteously. This riposte was addressed to me at home, and consisted of a second-hand envelope containing eight separate pieces of paper advertising twelve David Holbrook books put out by nine different publishers (and mentioning five more David Holbrook works for which a publisher has not yet been found). There was also a four-year-old Australian catalogue mentioning another dozen or so books and seven more publishers (with a photograph).
There was also a brief manuscript note, reading (in full): "Stop laying down your intelligence and try a little serious reading — and lay off the anti-intellectual abuse. David H," You, sir, will doubtless appreciate my unwillingness to continue this correspondence. If David Holbrook now believes that I have turned tail and fled the debate, out-reasoned by an intellectual giant — well, I suppose that's only to be expected. Don Peters 69 Renters Avenue, London NW4
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