STYLIST

Without reading the byline of “A Pipe Dream Come True” (May 26), I was astonished that Martin Bernheimer should be replaced by such a perfect protege(e) so quickly.

Halfway through the piece I went back to the byline and was delighted and relieved that it was Bernheimer in fact. I’m delighted that no fresh writer is able to spill ink on prose so stupidly snooty and awkward in a major newspaper about anything as important as a small two-day music festival in the provinces (Mr. Bernheimer remains inimitable) and relieved of the burden of finishing another clubfooted paragraph anticipating (assiduously!) any sound judgment or information.

Golly, it was scary for a minute.

MICHAEL J. SHERICK

Ojai

*

In an era of chronic illiteracy, I never cease to wonder at Martin Bernheimer’s command of what was once called the English language.

His critiques, excellent as they are, must take second place to the fluency of his prose, which flows across the page with the effortless grace of a buoyant premier danseuse.

Would that he wrote the entire Los Angeles Times so linguistic purists could relish the richness of our native tongue in print every day.

HOPE BRYSON

Los Angeles