"A compelling account of a man from the Welsh valleys trying out different life costumes after an early traumatic experience. Like a latter day Man of La Mancha, Davies sets out to wage battle against the forces of parochialism, nepotism and small-mindedness, and he succeeds! But there are, of course, two journeys; one being the escape from home to London and the return to South Wales, and the other the inner journey towards self-belief. There is humour, tragedy and polemic in this extremely readable account of a life torn between the bright lights of the metropolis and the siren call of the Welsh valleys."

Lloyd Rees

"The reflections on growing up in a south Wales valley resonate with my own early years recollections of a close knit family severely impacted by traumatic loss. His remarks on FE managers I readily recognise having interacted with several in my 28 years working in the sector. Even the sections on liberal studies are in keeping with my experience as an industry practitioner starting out as a lecturer and progressing to managerial roles in a college of further education."

Stephen John

"The remarks and anecdotes in Chapter 10 about the ossification of departments due to lack of staff renewal ring true. I have witnessed similar phenomena in the Engineering Departments in several universities at home and abroad. Nevertheless, the whole book affirms the importance of education for the individual and for society: every school child, student and professional educator should read this book; it is an inspiration".

Ken Lever