This book gives an offbeat account of Andrew Stuart"s wide-ranging experiences. As a diplomat, before ending up as British Ambassador to Finland, he was soon drawn back into the closing stages of the British Empire. The end of empire in British and French territories from Africa to the Pacific, the rise of China to near superpower status and the opening of political fissures on the Indian subcontinent -- all are themes of global and enduring importance. Andrew Stuart"s eventful career as a colonial administrator and diplomat took place against this international backdrop.