Letter: How the nation divides over Larkin

Sir: Bryan Appleyard's critique of Philip Larkin - long overdue, in my opinion - was argued with a sensitivity and open-mindedness sadly lacking in his subject.

Your columnist Miles Kington recently asked if there should be an epithet 'Larkinesque', and if so how it should be defined. I would suggest, in Bryan Appleyard's words, something that 'exudes a repellent, smelly, inadequate masculinity'. As their hero was apparently immune to criticism, none of his fans should balk at this epitaph.

Yours faithfully,

EDDIE LEWISOHN

London, SE18

20 March