Rowan writes: Kapuscinski’s work gives a fascinating depiction of Africa, from the 1950s to the modern day – but his work is so much more! From malaria to civil war, Kapuscinski was never afraid to put himself in the firing line in order to tell the truth, and to know at first hand the experience of ordinary, and extraordinary, people. Beautifully written, in spare, poetic prose, Shadow of the Sun is not just a compelling story of African history, but a series of insightful reflections upon the human condition.

Ryszard Kapuscinski was born in Poland in 1932. As a foreign correspondent for PAP, the Polish news agency, until 1981 he was an eyewitness to revolutions and civil wars in Africa, Asia and Latin America. His books include The Shadow of the Sun, The Emperor, Shah of Shahs, Another Day of Life and Travels with Herodotus. He won dozens of major literary prizes all over the world, and was made 'journalist of the century' in Poland. He died in January 2007.