19 NOVEMBER 1994, Page 50

Mary Killen

The Letters of John Betjeman, Volume I edited and with vivid linking passages by his daughter Candida Lycett-Green (Methuen, £20, £9.99) give hours of happy reading. Wayland Kennet, whose daughter was Betjeman's goddaughter, was once asked what the poet was like. He said, 'He was like Venice. Everything they always said — and more.' This inspiring collection shows you what he meant. Major Major by Terry Major-Ball (Duckworth, £12.99) gave further happiness. One of the most hilari- ous and endearing books ever written, and by a man with real charm.