the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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(Enoch) Arnold Bennett : A Man from the North.

'The reading of the "Man from the North" has inspired me with the greatest respect for your artistic conscience. I am profoundly impressed with the achievement of style.[...] as you may suppose I've read the book more than once. Unfortunately I don't know how to criticise; to discuss however I am ready.' Hence follow about ten lines of constructive criticism of what Conrad calls the 'design' of the novel.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

(Enoch) Arnold Bennett : Anna of the Five Towns

'But if I could not find time to write to you [to acknowledge receipt of the presentation copy] I had found time to read your book. I read it once, twice,then kept it upstairs for dipping into when I came up to bed.' Hence follow twenty lines of praise and an invitation to Pent Farm to further discuss the work.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

(Enoch) Arnold Bennett : Leonora

'You must think me a brute. I don't even attempt to palliate an inexcusable delay in thanking you for "Leonora".[...] Yes. you can do things; you present them with a skill and a language for which I wish to thank you as distinc[t]ly as possible, and with all the respect due to such a remarkable talent.[...] And here the first criticism that occurs is that there is not enough of Leonora herself. [...] And that's about the only objection that can be made to the book as a work. With the sheer pleasure of reading it, that-say-defect- does not interfere.' Thence follow sixteen more lines of constructive criticism.

Century: 1900-1945     Reader/Listener/Group: Joseph Conrad      Print: Book

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