Origyptian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Merrell Wrote:
> -------------------------------------------------------
> > In common with most other readers (apart from you,
> > apparently), I am obliged to accept what an author
> > has to say about the sources of his evidence, and
> > support for his theories).
>
> First of all, surely there is no possible way you
> could know what "most other readers" have in
> common in that regard.

A realistic consideration of their situation? As in, having limited time and resources, not having a prior connection with the author and not being themselves cited in the book?

> Secondly, I still don't understand what bearing
> Jon's expertise has on the validity of his
> descriptions or why anyone would want to know more
> about his background based on the observations he
> made.

So why is he cited as “art expert, John Snape” and not “some bloke I met on a message board”?

That you don’t understand a range of things is evident.

M.