THE biography of the late statesman, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, is a story about a man walking a political tightrope for most of his life when he would rather have been a medical man.
Dr Deryck Scarr, the author of Tuimacilai: The life of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, said he spent four years researching and writing the biography.
He said he felt a sense of fulfilment to have written the biography.
"Everything I wish to say is in the book," he said.
"I rather think the record of his era has very great ongoing relevance.
"This is a story that is quite unparalleled in Fiji and the South Pacific."
Dr Scarr said he enjoyed writing the biography until the final chapter.
"This I have to admit was rather difficult, given the context of Ratu Mara's passing," he said.
The biography, which was launched by Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, a close friend of Ratu Mara, tells of his life as a political leader and traditional chief.
Sir Michael hailed the book, saying it portrayed the life of a man he respected and looked up to for advice.
He said Fiji needed a leader who had Ratu Mara's qualities.
Vanuatu Prime Minister Edward Natapei shared the same sentiments.
