Johnston & Ferrar. Central Africana, Malawi. 2002.
ISBN 99908 14 11 2. £23.95 + p&p.

Quality coffee-table books on Malawi are a remarkably rare phenomenon. This must certainly be a very strong contender for the best. The text by Sandy Ferrar admirably synergises with Frank Johnston's sumptuous photos making it both a feast for the eyes and a treat for the mind as Sandy evocatively describes views, scenes and landscapes that both awaken old memories and tantalise the uninitiated. Both authors display the depth of knowledge and love for the subject that can only be achieved after long years of apprenticeship and the blessings of an enquiring mind and artistic eye. Frank Johnston clearly retains his title as Malawi's premier photographer whilst Sandy Ferrar offers fresh incites into the seemingly familiar. A few parting, enigmatic words I leave to Sandy: Malawi seems to provoke a jumble of emotions. The people themselves are both joyous and fearful and visitors are dazzled and frustrated.

Whatever you expect of Malawi, you will probably be disappointed. But you will also be surprised and enchanted. Whatever Malawi is, it is rarely what it seems.