Another of those universally accepted truths seems to be that anyone who is literate and lives to be eighty must write an autobiography. My friends urged this for many years and finally with Marjorie's help with whom I have shared almost all of my adult life – we have been married for over sixty years – I set to work.Without her help, this work could never have been undertaken. She aided my recollections by ploughing through files, recalling dates, and sat patiently at the computer while I let my memory roam over many years and many lands. My gratitude to her is immeasurable. I have shied away from the word ‘autobiography’ which suggests something more formal than this relaxed reminiscence over a much enjoyed life.When I sent the completed manuscript to my long time friend and publisher, James Currey, he responded with such enthusiasm that we have since been hard put to keep pace with him. Lynn Taylor, another old friend, kept up the momentum and together we got the copy ready for publication. I am grateful to both of them.