Madagascar -

Daniel Austin's fascination with Madagascar began long before he managed to muster the funds to go and see the island first-hand, on what he planned to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip before submitting to the inevitability of getting a 'proper job'. Whether it was his aversion to such drudgery or the allure of Madagascar that was stronger than he expected isn't certain - perhaps both - but the trip changed the course of his life and he has returned at least once every year ever since, often for three months at a time. Now occupied full time with all things Malagasy, he leads small-group tours to the island (www.danielaustin.co.uk), gives occasional lectures on Madagascar, is secretary of the London-based Anglo-Malagasy Society, founded the Madagascar Library (www.madagascar-library.com) and co-authored the other Bradt titles Madagascar Wildlife and Madagascar Highlights. www.danielaustin.co.ukHilary Bradt's career as an occupational therapist ended when potential employers noticed that the time taken off for travel exceeded the periods of employment. With her former husband George, she self-published her first guidebook in 1974 during an extended journey through South America. As well as running Bradt Travel Guides, Hilary worked for 25 years as a tour leader in Madagascar. Her in-depth knowledge of the country has brought her lecture engagements at the Royal Geographical Society, the Smithsonian Institution and on board expedition cruise ships, as well as numerous commissions for travel articles. She received an MBE in 2008 for services to the travel industry, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Guild of Travel Writers in 2009, and a Travel Media Special Contribution award in 2019. She now lives in semi-retirement in Devon and is delighted to have handed over the hard graft of researching new editions to Daniel. www.hilarybradt.com