Ayub Khan began his diary in September 1966, and ended his record in October 1972 because of his failing health. The diary covers events such as his resignation from office, assumption of power by Yahya Khan, the separation of East and West Pakistan and the replacement of Yahya by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. After his death in 1972, the diary was not released due to opinions which would have been detrimental to the reputation of powerful individuals at the time. The book thus was embargoed for thirty years before it was released to the public. Ayub Khan wanted the piece to be edited by one Altaf Gauher but because of his death Gohar Ayub khan entrusted Oxford University Press (OUP) to edit and publish the six year long diary. It was from there where it was annotated by Craig Baxter.