Sicilian Carousel

Lawrence Durrell's 'islomania' was the source of three of his best-loved books, "Prospero's Cell", "Reflections on a Marine Venus" and "Bitter Lemons". In order to equip himself to write about Sicily, whose history is so long and varied, and its archaeological remains so rich and spectacular, Durrell joined a tour, the 'Sicilian Carousel' to round the island and see the famous sights. On the surface we have a characteristically amusing account of his travels with a mixed bag of companions, but the deeper theme if Mediterranean civilisation, its manifestation and its meaning, not only in Sicily, but in Greece itself, in Italy, and in Southern France. This book includes several poems by Durrell, all inspired by different parts of the island.