For a proper celebration of the American Revolution, head to the British Library | Brief letters

Independence anniversary | Vertical drinking | Thomas Paine’s Thetford roots | Andy Burnham and Larry the cat | Larkin aboutJohn Crace was underwhelmed by the British Museum’s parlous four-item exhibition to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence (Digested week, 7 August). Perhaps next time he should instead visit the British Library, whose free exhibition on the American Revolution in its Treasures gallery includes the original stamps from the 1765 Stamp Act, letters from combatants, maps and more. It even brings the story right up to date with banners invoking the revolution used in recent No Kings protests against Donald Trump. Joan Lock York• In West Sussex, we stand with Simon Jenkins (I stand to defend vertical drinking. Is a pub that doesn’t allow it a real pub at all?, theguardian.com, 7 August). One of the local pubs in Lindfield is named The Stand Up Inn. It is said that a local employer built it without seats to ensure his workforce did not spend too long refreshing themselves. Currently it has seating for the weak-hearted drinker.Elaine FearHorsted Keynes, West Sussex Continue reading...