Letter: Cheap books need not be nasty
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: James Fenton might be on to a good thing with his Unpopular Classics, but he is too severe on Steele and Lamb. How can he dismiss the former's Roger de Coverley, a man unafraid to speak his mind, as when he tells the proprietress of the Spring Garden that 'he should be a better Customer . . . if there were more Nightingales, and fewer Strumpets'.
As for Lamb, his 'things in books' clothing' could describe some of Mr Fenton's list, and if his style has not everywhere worn well, his thoughts can still strike home. 'Newspapers always excite curiosity,' he says in Detached Thoughts on Books and Reading. 'No one ever lays one down without a feeling of disappointment.'
Yours faithfully,
R. P. CORDERO
Hawkhurst, Kent
7 March
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments