7 NOVEMBER 1987, Page 24

History lessons

Sir: Mr Rowse tells me (Letters, 24 Octo- ber) to learn from history. I have read a great deal of history, in English and in French, all my life. Very entertaining, it is seldom objective, reflecting as it does the prejudices of the historian. I have learnt from it nevertheless, and have not pre- sumed to teach.

Mr Rowse's books I have not read, but perhaps they are like his letters to the Spectator, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing? I shall never know the answer to this question.

Diana Mosley

Temple de la Gloire, 91400 Orsay, France