John Cornwell was born in Hull in 1939 and read International History at the LSE. He taught in Sheffield for 23 years and also in Jamaica and Canada. He was the Deputy Leader of South Yorkshire County Council, a member of the Arts Council of G.B., Chair of the Crucible and Lyceum Theatres, Chair of the Rugby League’s Youth Commission and Vice Chair of the Yorkshire and Humberside Sports Council. In retirement he became an author and has written 19 books, mainly about aspects of local history. He lives in Sheffield and his interests include military history, writing poetry and rugby league.