Of only the very great, e.g. Beckett, are reviewers free at whim to assert that they are wearing no clothes. The monkey-minds conspire to protect the second-raters.


There was an audible sigh as I finished the last letter some time after midnight. There was no sense of triumph or even completion. I have problems accepting that these two prolific men as friends/critics/academics would allow the precipitous drop in frequency as displayed here. There must be a cache of letters elsewhere or perhaps regrettably carbonized in a fireplace-- a manifestation of pique, a blow to posterity. As noted, my time with the first volume was enhanced by the sensation of the pages not being entirely cut. That sweet tearing sound was music, like the dulcet tones of Dusty Springfield.

Rather than concede what I learned from these two hulking tomes, I should note what they inspired. First off, to read more of both these men. Then, Beckett -- especially the novels. Wittgenstein as well. It is curious that my wary hesitation towards The Cantos is largely intact, might even be enhanced.


While both men wrote for the National Review, each routinely cast aspersions at Nixon and Reagan. What the two men weren't by 21C standards was politically correct. No need for a list. What we also have is a meditation on technology as it is applicable to intellectuals and discourse. The inefficiency and uncertainty involved when Davenport supplied illustrations for Kenner’s Stoic Comedians. That appears maddening to a contemporary reader. There’s a marvel at electric typewriters. Letters cross each other which does enhance the richness of the discussion but it was necessary evil of the epistolary age.


As I noted to Nathan, I feel closer to Davenport if only by reasons of geography. His reference to Kentucky as the American Ukraine is a sound comparison. What I don't understand is his affection for Tolkien. I gritted my teeth as Davenport slammed The Tin Drum but I don't understand the foregrounding of Gandolf and Bilbo.

This was my favorite reading of the year. ( )