The author went against official advice to make a hazardous journey through Ethiopia in the company of an amiable pack-mule, Jock. During the gruelling trek through remote and hostile regions she was robbed three times, yet the Ethiopian highlanders were usually hospitable and her dependence on them, and increasing familiarity with their way of life, broke down the barriers between them. On reaching Addis Ababa she concluded that this growth of affection for another race "is the real achievement of such a journey", and the book provides an insight into a unique people. Dervla Murphy's other travel books include "Muddling Through In Madagascar" and "Cameroon With Egbert".