Hearing Ian Collins read a poem by Lorca at Elizabeth Esteve-Coll’s memorial service reminded me that I never wrote a post to say how much I enjoyed and admired his recent biography of Ronald Blythe, Blithe Spirit. A model of its kind: a fascinating subject, born in humble circumstances, but a remarkable observer and writer. Collins says he wasn’t much interested in sex, but he seems to have sex with most of the people he meets. He manages to steer a clever path between friendship and a sense of perspective, not easy when writing about a friend. Maybe he should write Elizabeth’s biography next.
| Charles | Saumarez | Smith | 