Max Liu’s portrayal of Cornwall (Why neglected Cornwall needs a literature of its own, 3 December) is not one I wholly accept. Having lived there for 35 years, I saw what could amount to almost revolutionary changes. True, Cornwall was deprived in many areas, but never off the map thanks to its thriving mining, fishing and farming industries whose demise had a profound effect.
EU money made a dramatic difference and resulted in the renewal of the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project.
It has to be faced that the Cornish idyll has not always been helpful. Second homes and greedy property prices became the norm. Opportunities for young people were jeopardised as a result.
Not being “a cousin Jack” was not my experience but rather the insensitivity of those from “up country”. Cornish literature is no more lacking than any other county. Do not underestimate the power of poetry. Rejoice in the poets, not forgetting Charles Causley and Jack Clemo. They are the ones who reveal the heart and soul of Cornwall.
Veronica Edwards
Malvern, Worcestershire
• I take issue with Max Liu. Cornwall has a very distinctive literature if he only looked. Small compared with other Celtic nations, but maybe he doesn’t like it or maybe he doesn’t know about it: the poetry and prose of DM Thomas; the poetry in Cornish and English of Tim Saunders and Bert Biscoe; the plays of Alan Kent and Simon Parker.
For a small country (sorry, county), the quality and quantity is surprisingly high. And popular.
Clive Boutle
Francis Boutle Publishers, London
• Despite Max Liu’s lament, Cornwall most certainly does have a poet to call its own: the sublime Charles Causley whose literary roots lie deep as Cornish tin.
John Osborne
London
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