Jan Morris is one of the world’s leading writers. In this tribute to her on her eightieth birthday, a number of well-known people from the world of travel writing, journalism, broadcasting and publishing celebrate the writer, as well as the person, in specially written essays. Through anecdotes and personal memories, they illuminate with warm affection her work and influence, her personality and her extraordinary life. Insights are also provided through the eyes of a painter, photographer, historian, and mountaineer.

A thoughtful introduction by Paul Theroux accompanies essays by George Band, Arturo Di Stefano, David Fieldhouse, Don George, David Holden, David Hurn, Pico Iyer, Julian Loose, Robert McCrum, Geoffrey Moorhouse, Patrick Nairne, Jim Perrin, Hilary Rubinstein, Ned Thomas, Colin Thubron, Erica Wagner, Alan Whicker, Simon Winchester and Peregrine Worsthorne.