The Sleeve Notes column in the editions of Friday, November 6th, claimed wrongly that a former press officer with The Beatles had been shot dead in bizarre circumstances in a Los Angeles motel in 1975. In fact, Mr Derek Taylor died last year of natural causes. The error is regretted.

The Book of the Day review in the editions of Tuesday November 10th claimed wrongly that President Andrew Jackson signed the 13th amendment to the US Constitution. It was President Abraham Lincoln's successor, President Andrew Johnson, who signed the amendment outlawing slavery in the US. And reference was made to President Ulysses S. Grant having faced impeachment. But he was not impeached.

When errors occur it is the policy of The Irish Times to correct or clarify as soon as it is practicable. Readers may contact the Readers' Representative's office by telephoning 01-679-2022 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Outside these times they may contact the Duty Editor.