A journey ? both historical and contemporary ? among the fantastical landscapes, resourceful inhabitants and isolated tribes of the world s fourth-largest island of enduring fascination for its rich biodiversity: Madagascar. A beautifully written depiction of the history of this beguiling island  Literary Review Courageous, exploratory, humane and with a wry sense of humour  Spectator A feat of journalism, observation and determination  Dr Alyson Hitch Wonderfully witty and wry  Benedict AllenWe think we know Madagascar but it s too big, too eccentric, and too impenetrable to be truly understood. As well as visiting every corner of the island, John Gimlette journeys deep into Madagascar s past. Along the way, he meets politicians, sorcerers, gem prospectors, militiamen, rioters, lepers and the descendants of seventeenth-century pirates. Insightful and wryly humorous, here s an encounter with the people, landscapes, politics and history of one of the most remarkable places on Earth.