Book on Kerry gets surprise makeover

Shoppers at Barnes & Noble.com looking for a controversial new book on Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry got a surprise yesterday, when someone gained access to the site's computer system and altered the book's cover and title.

The book "Unfit to Command" alleges that Kerry has made false assertions about his actions as a Navy lieutenant during the Vietnam War.

Since its publication last week, the book has been one of the top-selling titles at Barnes & Noble.com.

But yesterday shoppers found that the book's cover had been altered. The photo of an older Kerry was replaced with one of Kerry as a young man in Vietnam, surrounded by comrades. And the title was changed to "Fit to Command."

"At this point, we cannot explain how it may have happened," said Mary Ellen Keating, a spokeswoman for Barnes & Noble. "Barnes & Noble.com did not change the title of this book on its website."

As of Monday afternoon, the original book cover was once again on display at the site.

GLOBE STAFF