From Living on Paper, a collection of Iris Murdoch’s letters published next month by Princeton University Press and Chatto & Windus. Murdoch (1919–99) was the author of numerous novels, including The Sea, The Sea, for which she won the 1978 Man Booker Prize.

Excuse this letter which blunders on through various metaphors and says very little.

Forgive me if I talk and talk and seem to say nothing.

Sorry, all this is not amusing and not even informative.

I’m sorry I wrote to you tiresomely.

I’m sorry to behave in this irritating manner.

Forgive this rubbish.

I am truly very…