One of the first assignments Ben Box took as a freelance writer in 1980 was subediting work on the South American Handbook. The plan then was to write about contemporary Iberian and Latin American affairs, but in no time at all the lands south of the Rio Grande took over, inspiring journeys to all corners of the subcontinent. Ben has contributed to newspapers, magazines and learned tomes, usually on the subject of travel, and became editor of the South American Handbook in 1989. Having a doctorate in Spanish and Portuguese Studies from London University, Ben maintains a strong interest in Latin American literature. Ever since completing her degree in Latin American Studies, Sarah Cameron has been travelling in and writing on the Americas, both as an economist and as an author for Footprint. Initially moonlighting for the South American Handbook whilst working for a British bank, in 1990 she parted company with the world of finance and has been contributing to Footprint titles ever since.