Here, like a treasure chest, are the polished gems of a whole life of writing on the road, reflecting a world now totally lost to us. From Yemen of the Imams to bandit chieftains, Neapolitan men of honour and tribal chieftains in Central America, as well as darker scenes: the doomed cultures of French rule in Indo-China, Cossacks being sent home to their death and the quiet holocaust of the indigenous peoples in the jungles of South America. This is a book of immense range and power, informed by an extraordinary lightness of touch: humour, humanity and the telling detail.

'He really goes in deep like a sharp polished knife. I have never travelled in my armchair so fast, variously and well.' V.S.Pritchett, New Statesman

'Lewis is such a fine and amusing writer and also such an intensely moral and humane one that he can make even the most horrible situations both bearable and instructive.' William Dalrymple, Sunday Times

'A truly remarkable and admirable author. The man is simply amazing.' Harry Ritchie, Mail on Sunday