Legends of the Dark Stranger: Words and Images is a stunning, introspective collection of Richard McDowells selected writings and images that are from his self-books, also called journals or sketchbooks. Their functions varied from address book, shopping lists, and classroom notes, to detailed product designs, business plans, and appointments. These pragmatic entries were created to organize and augment his memory. But it is the words and images reflecting the creative nature of his persona that catches his eye. The artist and dreamer is a constant theme.

Having been an artist and a song writer for a long time; carrying a sketchbook was always second nature to him. When he joined the Peace Corp, he began to number them and call them self-books. He has reveled in travel, while life seemed the truest and richest of roads. The moments were there to ponder and reflect upon, through art and song, and memoirs, and pure thoughts of mirth.

He has divided Legends of the Dark Stranger into three partsBoomers Story; Songs and Thoughts; and Boomerologyeach with its own unique view of his life and travels.