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One of the most feared writers in London, A.A. Gill is known for his "rapier wit," as described by the New York Times. Some even consider the mere assignment of a subject to Gill a hostile act. However, when the notice "AA GILL IS AWAY" runs in the Sunday Times of London, the city can rest peacefully, knowing that the writer is off traveling.

In Gill's own words, "My editor asked me what I wanted from journalism and I said the first thing that came into my head--I'd like to interview places. To treat a place as if it were a person, to go and listen to it, ask it questions, observe it the way you would interview a politician or a pop star."

Upon his return from these travels, readers are treated to Gill's accounts of his vacations to places like famine-stricken Sudan, the pornography studios of California's San Fernando Valley, the dying Aral Sea, or the seedy parts of Kaliningrad. The result is one of the most fascinating, stylish, and irreverent collections of travel writing.

Gill's unique approach to travel writing sets him apart from the crowd. Rather than simply recounting the facts and figures of a destination, he seeks to truly understand the essence of a place, to uncover its personality and stories. He immerses himself in the local culture, asking probing questions and making keen observations, just as he would when interviewing a prominent figure.

The destinations Gill chooses are often off the beaten path, places that most travelers would shy away from. Yet it is in these challenging, and sometimes dark, corners of the world that Gill finds his most compelling material. He is unafraid to delve into complex, even uncomfortable, subject matter, and his writing reflects a deep empathy and understanding of the human condition.

Gill's prose is both masterful and uncompromising. He wields his "rapier wit" with precision, cutting through the veneer of a place to expose its raw, honest core. His writing is simultaneously informative and entertaining, drawing the reader in with his vivid descriptions and sharp insights.

Despite the fearsome reputation that precedes him, Gill's travel writing is ultimately a celebration of the richness and diversity of the human experience. He may be a feared writer, but his work is a testament to the power of curiosity, compassion, and a keen observational eye. When "AA GILL IS AWAY," the world's loss is the reader's gain.

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