Sicilian Carousel

Lose yourself in this vivid travelogue evoking the historic Mediterranean island of Sicily by the king of travel writing and real-life family member of The Durrells in Corfu.

''A magician.'' The Times

Despite decades spent poetically chronicling Mediterranean life in Rhodes, Cyprus and Corfu, celebrated travel writer Lawrence Durrell had never set foot on the largest island: Sicily.

For years, his friend Martine begged him to visit her on this sun-kissed paradise, but it took her sudden death to finally bring him to its shores - and he is not disappointed. Joining an eccentric tour group, Durrell immerses himself in the island''s spectacular archaeological remains, and becomes dizzy with Sicily''s rich history: its mysterious myths and meanings. Featuring unpublished poems and illustrated with elegant engravings. Sicilian Carousel is a gem that ranks with Durrell''s finest work.

''Readers who have been to Sicily will love this book. Readers who have not been to Sicily will love this book.'' Paul Fussell

''Like long letters from a civilized and very funny friend - the prose as luminous as the Mediterranean air he loves.'' Time