2 MAY 1981, Page 20

Bad story

Sir: Congratulations to Nicholas von Hoffman for his thoughts on the ignominy suffered by the Washington Post over the Pulitzer Prize farce (25 April). It was high time that sanctimonious journal was brought to heel, and the inflated reputation of its leading stars exploded. The remaining issue of interest is whether Bradlee and the others were genuinely duped or whether they welcomed this grotesque piece of melodrama as legitimate 'human interest', the proverbial good story. As for the Pulitzer, may it rest in peace.

Christopher Wood 17 Elgin Crecent, London W11