Still on the road

The COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed travel to many parts of the world, including China, so Leffman has recently been trekking around the UK feeding his love of wildlife and natural scenery by visiting relatively remote spots in his home islands. However, in 2024 he plans to head to India to look for rhinos, gibbons and tigers as part of celebrations for his 60th birthday.

At present, he is working on a book that will examine Sino-British relations during the 19th century, the period of history he outlined so well in his biography of Mesny. However, given the extended period it took to complete that book, he and his readers will probably be hoping for a speedier conclusion to his efforts this time around.

Contact the writer at [email protected]

Fact box

Name: David Leffman

Nationality: British

Education: London College of Printing

Occupation: Photojournalist and travel writer

Publications: The Mercenary Mandarin; Paper Horses; (Rough Guide series) China, Southwest China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iceland, Australia; DK Eyewitness China; Top10 Iceland