Francis has a well-developed streak of contrariness and we’ve had our differences in the past, most notably about religion and a certain parliamentary Speaker and a set of Sepik carvings. They are differences, however, that have been discussed politely and with informed measure.

And I must admit that these days I look forward to his contrary views, they are always illuminating and thought-provoking.

Francis is a founder and stalwart of the Simbu Writer’s Association leading by example rather than by decree.  He is also a strong advocate for disabled people in Papua New Guinea.

So what he writes about is worth reading. And that’s where this collection of essays comes to the fore.

Regular readers of PNG Attitude will recognise many of the pieces.  They range over a wide spectrum of issues and themes and are both topical and timeless.

Hopefully, as more writers follow Francis’s example, a body of similar material will be assembled. It is the stuff of history after all, and very important to the nation and in its own right.