John Lucas (Other lives, 19 January) was my poetry editor for more than 20 years. I greatly valued his editorial input, which consisted of a few queries and suggestions in his spidery pencil-writing in the margins of manuscripts, always respectful and with an understanding of what I had tried to convey. A question mark sent me back to work, making me see where other changes were needed in places he hadn’t marked. I will always be grateful for his intuitive guidance.
His letters were kind, encouraging and enthusiastic, signed off with his customary “All the best, in haste”.
Christine McNeill
