Although it is 50 years since this compilation was first published, the details in each of the four major walks undertaken by A.H. Reed are as fresh and interesting today as they were when he took the first step of his journey in 1946 and subsequently wrote about that same year (Farthest East: Afoot in Maoriland Byways, followed by Farthest North: Afoot in Maoriland Byways also in 1946; then Farthest West: Afoot and Afloat in 1950; and Farthest South in 1953). Each journey is packed with tales of the particular challenges of the route, of chance encounters with locals, and arrangements, often makeshift, for eating and sleeping. Interwoven throughout are interesting, seemingly spontaneous digressions on local history and Maori mythology.This new edition features an introductory essay by Geoff Chapple, well-known writer and outdoorsman, which salutes the sheer tenacity of this marvellous old man.