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Mark Johnson’s discussion (“Why are books getting longer?”) caught my attention and prompted me to research the topic. I’ve written a few pages (approx. 800 words) on the question. “IS THE AMERICAN NOVEL GETTING LONGER?” is data based (sorry for that), takes the long view (1920-2005), and rejects the notion that they are getting fatter.

Would this perhaps be something for the 5th Estate?

Robert Eagly

I have just read Bad Science by Ben Goldacre. I am a psychotherapist and writer and pretty much agree with all of it. If you are interested in the history of the placebo in therapy you might be interested in having a look at an essay I have published on the James Braid Society web site. Go to essays@jamesbraidsociety.com and click on Quantum Leaps in the Evolution of Theraputic Hypnosis
Go well
Tom

Hi
Have just read James Holland’s book “Italy’s Sorrow” found it well reserched except on point which I would like to pass on to Mr Holland.
Page 372 he states that the Americans took the summit of Monte Battaglia, this is not quite correct, they were led up there by an Italain guide and found the whole Mountain underfended. It did not take long for the Germas to realise their mistake and attacked the Americans who suffered heavy casulaties over the next 2 days, however they were relioeved by the 3rd Btn Grenadier Guards who fought over the next 2 weks causing the Germans to finally capitulate.
I am in touch with a survivor of that Battle with the 3rd Btn who relates a story about tyhe Castle at the end of the Battle, should Mr Holland be interested I will gladly let him know.
Regards
Mike Sterling

Hi mike, thanks for your comment. I’ll pass it on to James Holland’s editor.

I have enjoyed Patrick Gale’s book Gentleman’s Relish and especially when I came to his ref of Forever Amber ! This was a book my Mamma read (we were both avid readers always) when I was about 9 or 10 and she religiously hid it from my virtuous gaze. In the laundry basket, the pantry, a cvhest …and I always found it read it right through without her ever knowing. How innocent the incidents are by today’s standards but it did help to edge me along in puberty ! Thanks Patrick, I think we belong to the same stable too !
Antony