Sir, - Like many TLS readers, I have been shocked and concerned at the recent announcement that Oxford University Press is cutting its poetry list because living poets don't make enough profit and "the university expects us to operate on commercial grounds, especially in this day and age" (The Times, November 21). So much for Oxford University's contribution to the life of literature: only dead poets need apply?
The loss of the Oxford Poets out of the already tiny number of UK poetry publishers represents a major blow to our cultural life. And to read of our wealthiest university press saying that it can't afford to publish new poetry without a subsidy would be funny if it weren't so embittering - like OUP's own description of this myopically philistine action as "a hard decision". This presumably means that we, the reading public, are supposed to admire the toughness shown by Oxford's brave directors in killing off their poetry list. "Hard"? For the writers who won't be published - yes; for poetry readers cut off from new writing - yes; but for the executioners? It sounds like Carroll's Walrus sympathizing with the oysters.
"I weep for you," the Walrus said,
"I deeply sympathise!"
With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size
And held his pocket-handkerchief
Before his streaming eyes.
I trust that Oxford University Press will reconsider their decision and keep their poetry list alive after all.
JANET MONTEFIORE
School of English, University of Kent, Canterbury