There was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of

[Jackson6612]

There was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of — Ezra Pound.

"fails to get hold of", 'hold of' of what? Is it: There was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of (by others)?

I would have replaced that "which" with 'whose'. Would it be okay? I didn't see any definition of 'which' which says 'which' is equivalent to 'whose'.

Context:
http://www.google.com/search?q=%22which+mere+criticism+of+books%22&btnG=Search+Books&tbs=bks%3A1&tbo=1

[Mister Micawber]

fails to get hold of = fails to adequately examine/explain/elucidate/describe.

'Which' = 'that', so no 'whose'.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Jackson6612]

Hi

[Mister Micawber]

'Strata of Paris' is the object of the criticism (or its failure, actually).
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Jackson6612]

Mr. Micawber, I think the problem lies in the way how I read this sentence:
There was a strata of Paris - which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of.

It seems like it should be read as:
There was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of - books fails to get hold of.

"-" stands for a short pause.

Is it so? Please let me know.

[Mister Micawber]

No, it is not so; it is as I said (though your link does not work to the original text).
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Jackson6612]

I have edited the link to the original. Choose the first result.

Yes, it is as you have said. That's lead me to figure out where I was going wrong with the sentence.

Is the following sentence correct? Please let me know.
There were a few individuals of which criticism John failed to put forth successfully.

[Mister Micawber]

Ah-- now you should choose 'whose/whom' this way:

There were a few individuals whose criticism John failed to put forth successfully.-- if John is repeating the criticisms the individuals uttered.

There were a few individuals criticism of whom John failed to put forth successfully. -- if John is trying to criticize the individuals.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Jackson6612]

Hi Mr Micawber

I intended the second:
There were a few individuals criticism of whom John failed to put forth successfully.

Now compare it with the one the cause of all headache:
There was a strata of Paris which mere criticism of books fails to get hold of.

To me, "John" and "books" occupy the same position in relation to the overall meaning of the sentence.

Please guide me on this.

"a few individuals" is the object of criticism and "John" is doing the criticism.

"a strata of Paris" is the target of criticism and "books" is performing it.

Best wishes
Jack

[Mister Micawber]

I stand on my original assessment.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Jackson6612]

Actually it's your assessment which enabled me to grasp the true meaning, which I'm afraid isn't that much 'true'.

I don't know how my take differs from yours. I'm only trying to confirm if I'm on the right path. Please let me know.

[Jackson6612]

Mr Micawber, I'm awaiting your reply. Please let me know what you have to say.