SOUTH FROM TOULOUSE

A travel book -- but one that breaks all the rules asked by the average tourist. On the contrary, for the traveler seeking bypaths, it has great riches to offer. One can hope that the promised maps are adequate, for no common atlas satisfies. For there an Englishman, who did not live to see his book through the press, writes lovingly-and learnedly- of an adventurous motor trip through a little visited triangle of France, with the familiar highspots of Toulouse, Perpignan, Montpellier, with Carcassonne and Cahors and Albi to help the neophyte locate himself. But the enchantment of discovery lies in the unexpected detours, in the offbeat small churches and museums and chateaux visited. One needs a grounding in history and literature and gourmanderie to appreciate the zestful sharing of his knowledge and enthusiasm and curiosity. One gets the feel of the country and the people as well as deepening the understanding of the streams of history. With so much to offer, one wonders at a few omissions- not too far from the paths he travelled. But, the end result is a determination to return- if one has been there- with his book in hand, and to use him as a seasoned and inspiring guide.