14 MAY 1988, Page 23

Sir: Antony Lambton ridicules John Mor- timer for comparing St

Augustine in the Simone Martini painting to Batman 'flying to the rescue', and goes on to describe Batman's flight as 'straight as an arrow'. Mr Lambton thus proves himself to be as ignorant about the things that really matter as Mr Mortimer. Batman can't fly. I suppose they're both thinking of Superman — a different kettle of fish entirely.

Simon Gray

70 Priory Gardens, London N6