Theodore White

In the column (Editorial Pages, May 20), “Theodore White: Making of a Historian,” Richard Goodwin expresses for me a profound respect and appreciation for this distinguished writer, not given to many. When I read about Theodore White’s death I felt a sharp grief as if I had lost a friend, though I knew him only through his historical writings.

Goodwin says: “I always loved the man. . . . He was always ready to believe the best about the people he met and the country they sought to master . . . that could make you feel better about yourself . . . that in the multiformed maelstrom of the American spirit, romantic idealism could exist alongside the most menial, cruel, and indifferent hungers.”

Thank you, Mr. Goodwin, for your insight in expressing for me, in words I could not summon, a feeling of sadness that a valuable spokesman for our times had gone and there was no one to take his place. We are glad he was here!

FRIEDA P. MARTIN

Bellflower