Editor Quits in Bush Book Dispute

In the wake of the controversy over J.H. Hatfield’s “Fortunate Son: George W. Bush and the Making of an American President,” Robert B. Wallace, editor in chief of St. Martin’s Press, resigned suddenly Tuesday.

Wallace’s departure is the latest in a bizarre series of events surrounding “Fortunate Son,” which was published Oct. 19 and recalled by St. Martin’s last week after the publishing house discovered that Hatfield is apparently an ex-con who once plotted the death of his former boss. The book makes allegations of cocaine use by Bush that have not been substantiated.

“I didn’t want to be associated with a book I have no control over,” Wallace said from his home. “I haven’t even read the book.”

At the center of the story are some very basic questions about the way book publishers in America vet the credentials of their authors and check the facts of the works they produce.

“The book came into us from a reputable literary agent,” a St. Martin’s spokesman said.

Wallace, 48, who once worked for Rolling Stone and ABC News, has been editor in chief at St. Martin’s for three years.