John Righten's autobiography The Benevolence of Rogues tells of the characters he encountered during his many adventures. Their stories spring from the parallel worlds he inhabited. His 'humanitarian' world, where he encountered benevolent rogues who used their wit and guile to deliver medical aid and help save lives in Romania, South America and in Bosnia during the war. And the sheer lunacy of his 'normal' life in the US, Australia, and 'Trumpton' and 'Warshalton' those English bastions of anarchy. Gallows humour transcends the divide.

Society tries to smother individual spirit and crush the eccentrics that bring colour to our world. These are the stories of those who refused to conform because they lived by what they believed was right and others who couldn't fit into polite society even if they tried.

Many of these rogues came from dysfunctional backgrounds. The only expectation was that they would become criminals or victims. Yet this is a story of extraordinary achievement and endeavour. You may be shocked and surprised by the tales but, like his rogues, you may also laugh, even when you know you shouldn't.