Letter: Enlightenment in France and Wales

Sir: Contrary to the assumption expressed in Simon Denloon's article ('French Enlightenment 'took its ideas fron the English' ', 7 July), every 'enlightened' specialist of the 18th century is fully aware of the influence of 17th-century English radicals and the interest of French philosophes for English and Scottish ideas.

Should it be pointed out that Montesquieu came to be regarded with the same reverence as Locke and Newton, both in Britain and America? To deny the international roots of the 'Enlightenment' and ascribe it to a few isolated writers is not only absurd but also prejudicial to a fair understanding of our common European heritage.

Yours faithfully,

JEAN-MARC PASCAL

Sherborne,

Dorset