The Donaldson controversy (1)

“Donaldson gives a comprehensive account of the period covered in these lectures,” said Prof Ambrose, holding up a copy of the main textbook. 

“What nonsense,” the young man on my left said to me.  “We should be using Bennett.” 

I shrugged, not wishing to bring Ambrose’s wrath down upon me for talking during the lecture.  Ambrose continued. 

“Sennet covers the French Revolution and immediate aftermath, Wilson is the best source UK parliamentary history, and Schwarzhosen gives an account of the Marxist perspective.” 

At this point, the man next to me stood up and confronted Ambrose. 

“What about Bennett?” he asked Ambrose. 

Ambrose looked at him in surprise.  “Ah, young Turner isn’t it.  Bennet gives a perfectly adequate account of the period covered.  However, you will find more than adequate copies of the Donaldson in the library and bookshop, I'm afraid you may have difficulty getting your hands on the Bennett."

“Then the library and bookshop should address this ludicrous imbalance. Bennett’s account is vastly superior to Donaldson. It lacks the nonsensical verbosity of Donaldson, it is direct, to the point, factual not descriptive in nature.” 

“I find  that Donaldson’s use of prose brings the period to life, Bennet’s prose is flatter, more factual as you say."

“We are here to learn facts,” said Turner. 

“We are here to understand history, understanding any aspect of life is much more than merely learning facts.” At this point Ambrose turned from Turner and addressed the entire class directly. “If you have Bennett rather than Donaldonson it will be perfectly adequate, you may use either.” 

At this point another boy spoke, a rather handsome, well-spoken lad in an expensive-looking suit. 

“May we get on,” he said. “Prof Ambrose has recommended Donaldson, we have no need to waste our time with Bennett or any other alternatives.” 

Turner rose again to respond, but Ambrose gestured him to sit. 

“If it’s all the same to you boys I would rather get on with my lecture. This is a history class, not a book club."

After the class had finished I set off to the library, howevered I was stopped by a young woman. 

“Which side are you on?” she said to me. 

“Which side?” I said confused.  

“I saw you sitting with Turner, does that make you a Bennett man?” 

“Ah, I see what you mean. I’m in two minds about the whole debate.  I have a secondhand copy of the Donaldson, but I’m interested to see what Bennett has to say. I'm going to the library to see if they have a copy.” 

“Ah, a floating voter. You’re going to be the focus of everyone’s attention. Claudia Groves,” she said, holding out her hand. 

“Otterence Oblong,” I replied, taking it and shaking it. 

“Maybe we could meet for lunch after your library visit. You can tell me all about Bennett.” 

“I should like that,” I said. 

“The cafeteria at noon.” 

“The cafeteria at noon.” 

At the library I tried to take out a copy of the Bennett, but was told they had none in stock.  I found a few other texts from our reading list, however, and  in no time at all it was noon, and time to meet Miss Groves for luncheon.  

Immediately outside the library I was confronted by the young man who had spoken up for Donaldson, and two similarly smirked young men who said little. 

“Oblong isn’t it. I saw you with Turner, I bet you’re another Bennett man.” 

“Actually I own a Donaldson, though I have no strong opinions. I tried to borrow a Bennett from the library but they don’t have any in stock. I’m on the waiting list.” 

“That’s good to hear, I wouldn't want the library wasting it's money on reams and reams of Bennets. Let me know when the library contacts you.” He held out his hand. “Watson, Tom Watson.” 

I took his hand and shook it. 

“I’ve just come from the bookshop," he said. "They don’t stock Bennett either.” 

“It looks like the Donaldson-Bennett debate is over,” I said. 

“It had better be,” said Watson. 

I looked at my watch. 

“I have a lunch date,” I said. 

“Give my love to Miss Groves,” said Watson. Not only did Watson know my name already, he even knew my lunch arrangements. I realised that I would need to watch my step around him.