11 SEPTEMBER 1993, Page 24

Just readable

Sir: Your reviewer Mark Archer (Books, 4 September) shouldn't knock the Economist as the equivalent of an in-flight magazine.

Last week I endured a British Airways flight from Mexico City to Heathrow which in terms of punctuality, service and honesty made me think lovingly of Aeroflot in the Eighties. The only bright spot was that fail- ure to tidy up the cabin had left a week-old copy of the Economist in the pocket in front of my (cramped) seat.

Given a choice between that and BA's in- flight magazine, I'll settle for Economist- speak.

Sandy Skinner

6 Ruston Mews, London W11