In all of African history, there is no one quite like John Boyes. There have been better hunters, and certainly greater explorers. Although he's very readable, there have been finer writers. But when it comes to the category of Opportunist, Boyes' names stands out from all the others: he was, in his life, hunter, explorer, trader, ivory poacher, gambler, reprobate, soldier, and yes, even king. From the age of 14 when he hopped a ship bound for distant ports, Boyes' exemplified the renegade African adventurer, making a name for himself by overcoming man-eating lions, disease, drought, and hostile tribes.