The wrong Ross
From Mr Jeremy Lewis Sir: I was puzzled by D.J. Taylor's suggestion (Books, 24 February) that Alan Ross was almost monosyllabic in conversation, especially over the telephone. He could be brusque with bores and pests, but two of his most endearing traits were a love of gossip, duly embellished, and an amused, inquisitorial interest in the foibles of those he encountered, whether at parties or over the phone. Equally baffling is his suggestion that Alan blossomed on stage: he loathed public speaking, and when we appeared together at the Cheltenham Festival — under the chairmanship of D.J. Taylor — he uttered barely a word. (Neither did I. but that is another matter.)
The story of Alan turning up at a literary party 'flanked by wife and mistress' is, I suspect, mere tittle-tattle, and entirely out of character. Alan was famed, and envied, for his success with women: he was also a man of exemplary courtesy and consideration, to spouses, lovers and friends alike.
Jeremy Lewis London SW14
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