Poet From San Pedro

Why does Charles Bukowski receive such incredible media attention (“Bukowski,” March 22, by Paul Ciotti) when most of the great artists of our time remain ignored in comparison? Can anyone name one great or near-great piece of literature by the man? Bukowski simply has a knack for inflating himself. Your article cited nary a literary passage. Rather, it trotted out the usual litany of “Animal House” antics. Bukowski might be fun to read, like Mr. Natural comics, but serious literature he is not.

Richard Linnett

Venice