Letter from New York

From 1978 to 1984, Hanff ( 84 Charing Cross Road ) recorded a five-minute broadcast once a month for the BBC's Woman's Hour about her everyday experiences as a resident of New York City. Reproduced here, the selected scripts provide a witty, if somewhat rosy account of the adventures of Hanff and friends, fellow apartment dwellers in Manhattan. Included are reports on such events as author readings and free concerts, and observations on the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the ups and downs of city dogs. Hanff's love of her adopted city is reflected in upbeat anecdotes describing New Yorkers at their best--as good neighbors and charming eccentrics. A light diversion. (Apr.)