Robert Westall was born in 1929 on Tyneside, where he grew up during the Second World War. He studied Fine Art at Durham University, and Sculpture at the Slade in London, before teaching art in schools in the North of England. He was also a branch director of the Samaritans, a journalist and an antique-dealer. Between 1985 and his death in 1993, he retired to devote himself to his writing.

Reviews of Robert Westall's work:

'A writer who managed to combine literacy excellence with an immense talent for capturing the imagination and interest of child and, in particular, young adult readers.'

Independent

'Westall was a writer of rare talent. We shall miss him, but he has left us such a wonderful legacy.'

Michael Morpurgo, Guardian