Background
I have been a space and astronomy enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and I still have the Golden Book of Astronomy, which first introduced me to the wonders of outer space when I was at Junior School.
Even today, with the competition from the Internet and other digital wizardry, books can inspire people of all ages. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to write 15 books (13 about astronomy and space exploration), including the award-winning DK Guide to Space (see photo), which was later revised and updated with some spectacular new images.
I was the Consultant Editor for the Jane's Space Systems and Industry website and annual publication - one of the leading sources of information on all aspects of the global space industry - from May 2007 until May 2018. I have also acted as consultant / editor for many other books and space-related media.
I have recently submitted a manuscript for my 15th book to Reaktion Books of London, provisionally entitled Astronauts: Explorers of the Final Frontier. The volume will include about 200 illustrations. It will tell the story of the more than 640 individuals from around the world who have left Earth behind and experienced the unique, alien environment of outer space. It includes chapters on space pioneers; precursor missions involving animals and dummies; crew selection and training; pioneering spacefarers and their achievements; living and working in space; spacewalks; missions to the Moon; and the tragic stories of the people who gave their lives in pursuit of the dream of exploring outer space.
Other recent books are Solar Surveyors: Observing the Sun From Space (Springer-Praxis, 2022), Rosetta: The Remarkable Story of Europe's Comet Explorer (Springer-Praxis, 2021), and Exploring the Solar System (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012, revised edition published in 2020).
Previous books include: Space: A Children's Encyclopedia (Dorling Kindersley 2010); Jane’s Space Recognition Guide (HarperCollins in collaboration with Jane’s and the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., 2008); Pop-Up Facts: Space (Templar, 2008); Distant Worlds: Milestones in Planetary Exploration (Springer-Copernicus-Praxis, 2007); The Continuing Story of the International Space Station (Springer-Praxis 2002); Reaching for the Stars (Cassell, 1994 and 1996); and Heroes In Space (Blackwell 1986), as well as two Geography text books.
I was a consultant/writer for the European Space Agency for many years, writing and editing brochures and reports, as well as writing innumerable articles for the ESA Bulletin and several of the Agency’s web sites. I was also the author of a number of brochures and press releases for the UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).
Since the mid-1980s, I have written hundreds of articles on space and astronomy for British and American newspapers and magazines, as well as material for the Dorling Kindersley Children's Encyclopedia, Sunday Times Window On The Universe CD-ROM, the Nature-IOP Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Microsoft Encarta Reference Library and Philip’s Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
I have reviewed many books for The Observatory magazine and been an adviser or consultant for books such as Factivity Space (published by Parragon in 2016), which won a gold award in the Junior Design Awards, and various publications by Dorling Kindersley, such as Escape From Earth (by Peter Ackroyd), Space Revealed and e.explore Space Travel.
I have also occasionally moderated or introduced speakers at major space conferences, including The 1991 European Space Conference in Paris and Astrofest in London.
I was a full-time Geography teacher for many years, eventually becoming a Head of Department. After leaving the teaching profession to concentrate on my writing career, I became the Space Science Advisor / Press Officer for the Royal Astronomical Society 1995-2007, frequently appearing on TV and radio to comment on the latest space discoveries and events.
I am also a Fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the British Interplanetary Society, and a member of the Planetary Society.
I received a certificate from ESA in 2005 for an "outstanding contribution" to the outreach programme for ESA's Cluster mission, and a Group Achievement Award from NASA in 2004.
My current home town is Cranleigh, Surrey, which is often described as the largest village in England.
Even today, with the competition from the Internet and other digital wizardry, books can inspire people of all ages. I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to write 15 books (13 about astronomy and space exploration), including the award-winning DK Guide to Space (see photo), which was later revised and updated with some spectacular new images.
I was the Consultant Editor for the Jane's Space Systems and Industry website and annual publication - one of the leading sources of information on all aspects of the global space industry - from May 2007 until May 2018. I have also acted as consultant / editor for many other books and space-related media.
I have recently submitted a manuscript for my 15th book to Reaktion Books of London, provisionally entitled Astronauts: Explorers of the Final Frontier. The volume will include about 200 illustrations. It will tell the story of the more than 640 individuals from around the world who have left Earth behind and experienced the unique, alien environment of outer space. It includes chapters on space pioneers; precursor missions involving animals and dummies; crew selection and training; pioneering spacefarers and their achievements; living and working in space; spacewalks; missions to the Moon; and the tragic stories of the people who gave their lives in pursuit of the dream of exploring outer space.
Other recent books are Solar Surveyors: Observing the Sun From Space (Springer-Praxis, 2022), Rosetta: The Remarkable Story of Europe's Comet Explorer (Springer-Praxis, 2021), and Exploring the Solar System (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012, revised edition published in 2020).
Previous books include: Space: A Children's Encyclopedia (Dorling Kindersley 2010); Jane’s Space Recognition Guide (HarperCollins in collaboration with Jane’s and the Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C., 2008); Pop-Up Facts: Space (Templar, 2008); Distant Worlds: Milestones in Planetary Exploration (Springer-Copernicus-Praxis, 2007); The Continuing Story of the International Space Station (Springer-Praxis 2002); Reaching for the Stars (Cassell, 1994 and 1996); and Heroes In Space (Blackwell 1986), as well as two Geography text books.
I was a consultant/writer for the European Space Agency for many years, writing and editing brochures and reports, as well as writing innumerable articles for the ESA Bulletin and several of the Agency’s web sites. I was also the author of a number of brochures and press releases for the UK Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).
Since the mid-1980s, I have written hundreds of articles on space and astronomy for British and American newspapers and magazines, as well as material for the Dorling Kindersley Children's Encyclopedia, Sunday Times Window On The Universe CD-ROM, the Nature-IOP Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics, The Microsoft Encarta Reference Library and Philip’s Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
I have reviewed many books for The Observatory magazine and been an adviser or consultant for books such as Factivity Space (published by Parragon in 2016), which won a gold award in the Junior Design Awards, and various publications by Dorling Kindersley, such as Escape From Earth (by Peter Ackroyd), Space Revealed and e.explore Space Travel.
I have also occasionally moderated or introduced speakers at major space conferences, including The 1991 European Space Conference in Paris and Astrofest in London.
I was a full-time Geography teacher for many years, eventually becoming a Head of Department. After leaving the teaching profession to concentrate on my writing career, I became the Space Science Advisor / Press Officer for the Royal Astronomical Society 1995-2007, frequently appearing on TV and radio to comment on the latest space discoveries and events.
I am also a Fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and the British Interplanetary Society, and a member of the Planetary Society.
I received a certificate from ESA in 2005 for an "outstanding contribution" to the outreach programme for ESA's Cluster mission, and a Group Achievement Award from NASA in 2004.
My current home town is Cranleigh, Surrey, which is often described as the largest village in England.
