Silly Ideas

Sir,

John Lucas (PNR 121) takes literally a sentence that was intended as sarcasm. I was imputing those 'otiose' views to Kelvin Corcoran. It's the lowest form of wit, and I'm quite happy for any blame to be laid at the door of a joke that fell flat. I'm sure Lucas would find some beauties if he were to trawl my reviews for 'silly ideas', but on all the main points he makes, we're in agreement.

I wouldn't dream of suggesting that anyone should have read anything else by me than any given review, but if there's one thing I've consistently spoken up for it's 'bourgeois subjectivity'. I wasn't consciously assuming familiarity with my own prejudices, but unconsciously I may have been, and shall be more careful not to in future.