From the Bishop of Basingstoke
Sir, It was John Keble, Oxford Professor of Poetry from 1831 to 1841, who wrote in his Lectures on Poetry that "whenever the revolutionary or mercenary passion prevails forthwith a certain unreasoning contempt for poetry possesses men".
The discarding of its poetry list by Oxford University Press (letters, November 25 and 27; December 2) is a sad sign that he was right.
Yours faithfully.
GEOFFREY BASINGSTOKE, Bishopswood End, Kingswood Rise, Four Marks, Alton GU34 5BD. December 3.