Beckett’s pure art

I found the Beckett article fascinating in its depiction of what was considered avant-garde and how it was nearly relegated to the trash pile. I’m currently writing a book about jazz masters of the avant-garde, so I found this especially thought-provoking: “What was once so radical ... has become instantly recognizable, even familiar

HOWARD MANDEL

New York

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I compare all art to Beckett because his work is the ultimate form of art [“Forget Beckett? The Very Idea Is Absurd,” Nov. 5]. For example, I love Merce Cunningham’s dance, because his movements are stripped down to their essence just as Beckett’s words are stripped down to theirs.

Thank you for inspiring and exciting me.

FARIBA GHAFFARI

Santa Monica

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CHARLES McNULTY’s profound knowledge of Beckett’s oeuvre, coupled with his enthusiasm for his work, enhances the pleasure I have had in rereading “Molloy,” “Murphy” and “Malone Dies,” in anticipation of attending the Samuel Beckett Centenary Celebration performances at UCLA.

MAUREEN CONNELL

Pacific Palisades