This volume of diaries by James Lees-Milne is the eighth to be published, and readers of the previous seven will imagine they know pretty well what to expect. But they will be in for a surprise. As well as the witty, observant, frequently prejudiced, sometimes acerbic record of an industrious and sociable literary life, we have the story of a consuming love affair. Lees-Milne at the age of 70 fell in love with a gentle, clever young man almost 50 years his junior, who from then on became the centre of his existence. Just over 20 years later it is this same inamorato, Michael Bloch, who is the editor of the present volume, having been bequeathed, 'rather to my surprise', his old friend's literary estate. In this uniquely tricky situation Mr Bloch proves himself an impeccable editor, meticulous and fair.

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