Artur's Round Table
Sir: Thank you for a fascinating and perceptive story on Artur Rubinstein [Feb. 25], surely one of our most enduring—and endearing—musical geniuses. In a world in which so many distrust or dislike their lives, it's a pleasure to read about someone who loves and cares about his own enough to transmit his joy to others.
(MRS.) ELIDA D. LAWSON
New York City
Sir: Your enthusiasm overreaches itself when you call his playing of Mozart "impeccable." Though fine indeed, it is still marred by that same romanticism that is the Rubinstein trademark. What is interesting in this regard is not the pianist's limitation but the certainty that he will improve, that in time his Mozart will have the clarity and refinement it needs. On the basis of his spirit and energy alone, Rubinstein deserves his superb life.
DONALD WJLSON
New York City
Sir: Rubinstein's unique blending of "romantic" and "modern" piano styles deserves the highest praise of the civilized world. But to state categorically that he is "the world's greatest pianist," to put him on a pedestal above Horowitz, Richter, Serkin, etc., is irresponsible reporting of a type to which I think Rubinstein himself would take exception.
MILTON SETZER
New York City
Sir:
The Rubinstein story is a gem.
WILLIAM M. AVERY JR.
Elmhurst, Ill.
War With Words
Sir: As a Vietnamese, I find your cover story on Premier Ky [Feb. 18] excellent. At last people will understand that the government is doing its best to defend and help the people.
DOAN TAN
Hoi Nashville, Tenn.
Sir:
TIME'S Viet Nam coverage has been nothing less than outstanding, the story on Dean Rusk [Feb. 4] nothing less than just. Now, after a week of Fulbright's foreign relations circus, I think we can all agree with Truman's view of the man as "that overeducated Oxford s.o.b."
NORMAND W. DUFRESNE
Lowell, Mass.
Sir:
What we need is more "overeducated Oxford s.o.b.s" [Feb. 18] in Congress and fewer "shocking exposes" that are shocking only in their intent to malign.
(MRS.) MARIE G. ALI
Mt. Rainier, Md.
Sir:
To accuse Senator Fulbright of a "blind spot" in not accepting the myth of a monolithic-belligerent Communist bloc is to reveal your own. That Communist doctrine is neither monolithic nor necessarily nor always belligerent is no longer an opinion. It's a fact! I know of no reputable scholar who would argue otherwise.
HERBERT W. WERLIN
Instructor in Political Science
State University of New York
Stony Brook, N.Y.
Sir:
My greatest fear is that the Ful-brights, Morses and Kennans will prevail.
These men don't want to negotiate; they want to capitulate.
L. G. HAMILTON
Geneva, Ill.
Third Force
Sir: