Percy-L: Literary, Religious, Scientific, and Philosophical Discussion of Walker Percy

[Nikkibar AT aol.com]

Now in answer to your specific questions, Yes Walker read Jaynes, I think at my recommendation. His reaction was essentially the same with me and the book group as marcus has indicated.

To the best of my knowledge, his reading of Jaynes antedated his deep interest in CSP which of course culminated in the Jefferson Lecture and the published Ketner correspondence. I had forgotten that Jaynes mentions CSP, but it is possible that even a slight mention may have been the thing that drew Walker's interest in that direction; his mind worked that way and he would frequently wander down rabbit tracks for no apparent reason only to be turned on to something of major interest to him. I do the same thing and our shared willingness to take such rabbit safaris was one of the bonds we shared. I think Ken Ketner would have further stories to share on the same point.

Nikki Barranger