Journeying largely by bus and on foot, John Keay travelled from west to east across the Indonesian archipelago for four months, and in this book he recounts his experiences. From the forests and the rice-fields, half-forgotten kingdoms of a glorious antiquity assume contemporary relevance; from the coastal plains and myriad isles come tales of trade and trauma which knit the nation together; and from more recent history tumble the bizarre celebrities - generals, film stars, travellers, temptresses, anthropologists and demagogues - who have called the country theirs. Keay's other books include "Into India" and "The Honourable Company". He is the general editor of "The Royal Geographical Society's History of World Exploration", and joint editor of "Collins Encyclopaedia of Scotland".