25 JANUARY 1963, Page 13

DANGEROUS SKILL SIR,—John Hersey's famous article on the bombing of

Hiroshima (now reprinted in his book Here to Stay) was generally recognised on its first appear- ance, seventeen years ago, as one of the finest pieces of reporting evoked by the Second World War. But you, sir, have found in Mr. Keith Harrison a reviewer capable of writing in 1963 that 'Mr. Hersey can make Hiroshima seem fun' and going on to comment: 'That kind of skill could be dangerous.' Not so dangerous, many of your readers must have thought as they read this pre- posterous observation, as entrusting a book by a writer of Mr. Hersey's distinction to a reviewer capable of comment so utterly irresponsible.