Yesterday’s query about whether it’s an Americanism to use the word “counselor” in direct address to a lawyer (i.e., “Well, counselor, do you think you’re going to be able to get me acquitted?”) brought a half-dozen prompt responses, both from English readers of “About Last Night” and from well-informed Americans. All agreed that, as James Hamilton put it, “an Englishman wouldn’t address his solicitor with any title beyond ‘Mr. [name]’.”
Thanks to Mr. Hamilton, Kenny Harris, Timothy Hulsey, David Mackinder, Alex Massie, and fellow blogger Jenny Davidson for setting me straight. And special thanks to Ted Iacobuzio, who suggested “learned friend” as an alternative. That may make it into the revised libretto of The Letter, depending on whether it works in context.
Isn’t the Web cool? Not only am I the first librettist to blog about the creation of an opera, but I’m now the first to request and receive technical assistance from his readers!
Terry Teachout on the arts in New York City
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