This volume brings together extracts from the explorers' diaries accompanied by a narrative situating the texts in geographical, historical and socio- political context. They complement the publication of some of McEwan's earlier diaries, and are arguably the most important, dealing with the last portion of William McEwan's life - his arrival in Malawi, his meeting with Swahili slave traders, and his experiments with photography. Finally, the writings document McEwan's death as told by his companion Donald Munro.

John McCarthy, MD is a retired psychiatrist, married and living in Florida. His brother was James Richard McCarthy and this book is dedicated to him. Ricky was a quarterback, folk singer, handsome karate expert and did die at age 19 in a hospital after failed neurosurgery. His loss has inspired this book.