This collection of travel writing celebrates friendship and the chance encounters that unexpectedly enrich our lives, which shows the diversity of the Islamic world and the way in which it continues to inspire, bemuse and enrich the western imagination. It includes portraits of scholars and religious leaders, pop stars, writers, sultans, smugglers, fishermen, tearaway drivers and medieval scholars, from a wide variety of voices – wellknown travel writers, sculptors, film-makers, art historians, aid workers, diplomats and translators. The book dedicated to the millions who marched against the war in Iraq, and who wish that Britain's other voice be heard.