Since, I am the one who started this fiery attack of ideas, flames, and such-- I think I ought to respond. As I posted, I said Crane was the "best". That's my personnel opinion (at least for the 19th century) and I (or my post or both) was flamed about comparisons and such. People might think it is useless to compare but I think comparisons are valid and quite pertanant to life in general. As someone outlined, my use of "best", "better" or whatever else, is just free hand for "Buddy X is a more worthwhile author to read than Sgt. X." So, I think I'll write it out or just chuck out the comparisons. Graham "I am not MONTEL WILLIAMS!" The best damn show on tv, "Homicide: Life on the Street"