Books & Literary Life | October 7, 2019

Correspondence on not-so-famous lost words

From The November-December 2019 Issue

Frank Wagner writes: “Years ago, I saw an early scene in a British (probably) movie in which a young barrister must cross-examine a witness at a trial because his Queen’s Counsel is suddenly indisposed. The young man uses his experience with betting on horses at the track to expose the witness’s lies and win the case. Can anyone identify the movie?”

Send inquiries and answers to Chapter and Verse, Harvard Magazine, 7 Ware Street, Cambridge 02138, or via email to chapterandverse@harvardmag.com.

Published in the November-December 2019 print issue under the headline “Correspondence on not-so-famous lost words,” in the Montage section.

You might also like

Image depicting Shakespeare and Stephen King

Shakespeare and Stephen King Have a Lot in Common

Caroline Bicks, the celebrated Shakespeare scholar, studies how horror and fear work in literature.

An image of three of the fellows from the Radcliffe Institute selected to be 2026-2027 fellows

Radcliffe Institute Announces 2026-2027 Fellows

Scholars will tap Harvard’s intellectual resources during the coming academic year.

Woman with long hair, smiling, wearing a black sweater, in a textured beige background.

For This Poet, AI Is a Writing Partner

Sasha Stiles trained a chatbot on her manuscripts. Now, her poems rewrite themselves.

Most popular

Ronny Chieng wearin a suit speaks passionately at a wooden podium outdoors.

Ronny Chieng Tells Harvard to ‘Destroy AI’ as Graduates Cheer

The comedian and The Daily Show host gave the keynote address for Class Day 2026.

Three smiling individuals in business attire, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

Meet Harvard’s 2026 Student Commencement Speakers

Two undergraduates and a Ph.D. candidate will address the graduating class on May 28.

Smiling astronaut in blue jumpsuit speaking at a podium, colorful background.

Don’t Be A ‘Solo Superhero,’ Jonny Kim Tells Harvard Alumni

The astronaut, doctor, and Navy SEAL delivered keynote remarks at the University’s Alumni Day festivities.

Explore More From Current Issue

Illustration of two students in Harvard hoodies, one speaking animatedly to a phone, the other reading, looking annoyed.

Undergraduate Column

We’re All Harvard Influencers, Like It or Not

In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid playing into the mythology.

A man holding a revolver and lantern, wearing a hat and coat, appears to be walking cautiously.

University News

Scoundrels, Then and Now

On con men, Mark Twain, and the powers of the Harvard name

Brick archway with a sandy base, surrounded by wooden planks and boxes in a dim space.

Harvard Celebrates America’s 250th

How the American Revolution Freed a Future Abolitionist

Darby Vassall, an enslaved child freed after the Battle of Bunker Hill, dedicated his life to fighting for liberty.

Correspondence on not-so-famous lost words