That's No Joke

Those who do not complain are never pitied, and the quiet death of the University's most distinguished publication, the Harvard Library Bulletin (the final page of the autumn number informs the reader tersely that "By decision of the University administration, the Bulletin ceases publication with the present issue") has aroused little grief locally.

Overseas, there is widespread concern. The Times Literary Supplement has warned stiffly, if somewhat forlornly, that "Atropos must be left in no doubt that the snap of these abhorred shears will be disagreeably audible in all seven continents." But Paul H. Buck is made of sterner stuff, and his Annual Report for 1959-60 echoes the language of that awesome moralist, Samuel Johnson ("The act of dying is not of importance, it lasts so short a time"). "Careful assessment of the Library's needs," Buck writes tonelessly, "indicated that other calls upon unrestricted money deserved a higher priority." And, he explains, it would be difficult to find an "adequate substitute" for the Bulletin's retiring editor, Leonard Cottrell. Aut Cottrell aut nullus, it seems.

Tis a vain and impotent thing to bewail the dead, the Greek poet Stesichorus once admonished his readers. And no doubt it is; but perhaps some of that fabled $87 million still remains. And if it does, there may be some hope for a raising of the dead. Ah, gentlemen, make the most of what you may yet spend.