31 JANUARY 1987, page 31

Goethe In Dilemma

I took sea-roses from the Odyssey Nausicaa's sea-pinks by that fragrant shore; and, strolling in Palermo's Public Gardens a Goth with Grecian blossom in his hair sought to......

The Valley Of The Shadow Of Marriage

Peter Quennell JANE WELSH CARLYLE by Virginia Surtees Michael Russell, £12.95 I f a historic debate were ever held on the advantages and disadvantages, the pleas- ures and the......

A Shadowy Destabilising Figure

J. L. Carr JOTTINGS OF A GENIUS by Dennis Peck The Woodstock Press, f6.95 T his splendidly entitled work is a dis- tillation of more than 50 large notebooks filled during 30......