29 JANUARY 1994, Page 25

Sir: I was commissioned in 1989 by Hutchinson to write

a biography of Primo Levi, and I have now returned from over a year in Italy conducting initial research. Although there is no authorised biography of Primo Levi, I do have co-operation from members of his family. If any of your read- ers knew Levi, I would be very grateful to hear from them. I am especially interested to see any correspondence, manuscripts or other documents relating to Levi's life, work and character. The greatest care will be taken of any such material.

Ian Thomson

21 Gloucester Street, London SW1