POSTHUMOUS ASSASSINATION

I read with great dismay your cover story in Book Review, as well as the lead article in the Opinion section.

Each article dealt with a book (“A Question of Character”) which simply rehashes virtually every unsubstantiated rumor, gossip and innuendo about the private life of President Kennedy. I strongly question the book’s newsworthiness. . . . More disturbing is the question of editorial responsibility in presenting in a factual manner allegations set forth in what reviewer Jack Beatty parenthetically observes is a biased book. . . .

It may be that the author’s purpose (virtually stated) is to undermine the Kennedy legacy. However, I do not believe it an appropriate role for the Los Angeles Times to participate in such a purpose by giving unwarranted credibility and tremendous publicity to the author, and increasing substantially the sale of his book.

IRA S. LEVIN

LOS ANGELES