In the first of two volumes cyril Belshaw describes his career from its beginning in the Solomon Islands colonial service to travels in France where his love of food comes to the fore. He reveals what goes on in university life and international academica, otherwise a mystery to many. His travels take him to the Soviet Union and other communist countries, to soul searhching in Israel and Angkor. He has an admired friend in Thailand and dislikes the old Nigeria and Myanmar. The varied life with its ups and downs piques the curiosity of equally varied readers.

First published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.