Born agricultural working class in Hampshire and passed the 11+, took a degree that included Economic History, a fascination ever since, taught for ten years, worked with the Police Force in Papua New Guinea for another ten, took a few contracts in the Middle East as well. In between I was a constituency chairman for the SDP, married happily for thirty years with a son and daughter, was widowed fourteen years ago.

I write first of all for me, for my pleasure. That other people seem to enjoy my books adds even more to that satisfaction.

Where I offer a fact, I believe it to be correct, and will be very happy to be told if I am wrong. Where, very frequently, I offer opinion or interpretation, then I generally think it to be not unreasonable, but...

Besides that, I live with my son and daughter, three St Bernards and a neurotic English Mastiff, I collect pressed glass and have a general interest in antiques.

I intend to keep writing. I very much hope people will keep reading.