Manches
3 Worcester Street
Oxford OX1 2PZ
Your ref. SAM/JMC/003710/208571
31st March 2002
Dear Sirs,
Alan Ryan/Oxford University
Thank you for your letter of 28th March.
I note that your clients' suggestion of 14th March would not come into effect until May and that there is therefore still a little time to explore a more constructive resolution of their claim. I am disappointed that they have rejected my offer of 23rd March, but nevertheless now propose a second way forward that, again, could result in an early and much more satisfactory settlement.
I might, with the aid of certain benefactors, be able within a month or two to raise the entire sum of £12,500, and possibly even more, provided the money is used by the University to endow a lecture series (or alternatively a part-time lectureship) in the subject of Publishing Law. What I ideally have in mind is a series of lectures, one per term over a period of years, to be delivered in Oxford by guest experts in the various sub-areas of the subject, the lecturers and topics being chosen by a University committee to include principally members of the University Law Faculty, some from the University English Faculty, and myself.
Given the current turmoil being created by the advent of electronic rights, e-publishing, short-run and on-demand printing, internet bookselling and so forth, such a lecture-series (perhaps associated with a new University course) might be thought overdue, and where better to hold it than at the University that runs the world's largest academic publisher? Indeed, given the recent history, it is quite surprising that Oxford has not already instituted such a lecture-series or course.
This resolution offers the triple advantages of (a) providing a major and timely enhancement of Oxford's academic establishment and reputation, (b) engaging my support and even enthusiasm (and in time perhaps further endowment funds), and (c) allowing an early, complete settlement of your clients' claim.
Again, I urge your clients seriously to consider this proposal and I look forward to hearing their reaction to it.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Malcolm
Click for AKME EXPRESSION or ANDREW'S LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Oxford Times, 21st June 2002 and other reports: Times Higher 26/4, Oxford Times 26/4, Guardian 30/4, Cherwell 3/5, Private Eye 17/5, Times Higher 31/5 (Alan Ryan's shock departure rant), Cherwell 7/6.