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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 April 2010
I have a hidden admiration for those with the chutzpah to write books in the tradition of Up Against It in Wanga-Wanga Land. Thus I greeted with enthusiasm the invitation of this journal's editors to recount ina light-hearted way the experiences of my fieldwork in the Maldive Islands during January, 1982.
1. As a group of three articles in Slavery and Abolition: The fieldwork will eventually lead to part of a book written jointly with Marion Johnson of the Centre of West African Studies, the University of Birmingham.
2. The very word atoll originated in these islands as the Maldivian atolu.
3. However, the welcome usually included food covered with some of the world.'s hottest curry, which I firmly intend never again to eat.
4. It is said that only a handful of scholars has ever worked in the Maldives.
5. In candor, I think even more scarce -I never found one.
6. The early treasured life vest never had to be inflated, contrary to my expectations. When a final voyage brought me to the Maldive airport for the flight to Colombo, I tossed the bright orange package to the crew, saying “My last ride in a Maldive boat -here, you need it more than I do.” Though they did not speak English, they seemed to understand, and now perhaps at least one Maldive vessel carries some safety equipment.