11 NOVEMBER 1995, Page 35

Sir: I read The Spectator for several reasons. First, the

fine quality of its writing. Second, the catholic range of subjects featured. Third, a confidence that I will avoid articles with a high gibberish quota. Your last issue delivered on only two out of three. Edward Pearce's self-satisfied, pretentious, and illit- erate scribblings cannot be of interest to anyone other than Pearce himself.

If you feel inclined towards a little self- criticism, at least employ someone vaguely literate for the task.

John Gordon

4 Holford Yard, Cruikshank Street, London WC1