Meaning: The quote you provided appears to reference a situation involving the serialization of a book in the Sunday Times and an attack on the book by Charles, as reported by journalist Anthony Holden. The quote is intriguing and suggests a conflict or controversy surrounding the book and its serialization in the Sunday Times. To provide a comprehensive explanation of this quote, we can explore the context in which it was made and analyze the potential implications of the situation.

The first part of the quote, "While the 1980 book was being serialized in the Sunday Times," indicates that a particular book was undergoing serialization in the Sunday Times newspaper in 1980. Serialization refers to the publication of a work, such as a novel or non-fiction book, in a series of installments in a newspaper or magazine. This approach allows readers to engage with the content over a period of time, often generating interest and discussion around the work.

The second part of the quote, "Charles attacked it through the Observer," suggests that a figure named Charles launched a critique or criticism of the serialized book through a different publication, the Observer. The mention of Charles and his act of attacking the book raises questions about his motivations, the nature of the attack, and the potential impact on the book's reception and the author's reputation.

The reference to journalist Anthony Holden indicates that the information about these events was reported or documented by Holden. As a journalist, Holden may have been involved in covering the controversy or providing insights into the situation surrounding the serialized book and the subsequent attack by Charles.

To delve deeper into the significance of this quote, it would be helpful to identify the specific book that was serialized in the Sunday Times in 1980. Understanding the content, themes, and authorship of the book could shed light on why it might have attracted attention and sparked a critical response from Charles. Additionally, exploring the nature of Charles' attack as reported in the Observer could provide valuable context for understanding the dynamics at play.

Furthermore, it would be beneficial to consider the broader cultural and literary landscape of the time to assess how this incident might have been situated within the context of 1980. By examining the prevailing attitudes, societal trends, and key events of that period, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that may have influenced the serialization of the book and the subsequent critique by Charles.

In conclusion, the quote you provided encapsulates a moment of conflict or controversy surrounding the serialization of a book in the Sunday Times and a critical response to it by Charles, as documented by journalist Anthony Holden. To fully comprehend the significance and implications of this quote, a deeper exploration of the specific book, the nature of Charles' attack, and the broader historical context is necessary. This would provide a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play and the potential impact on the book, its author, and the literary landscape of 1980.