Described as 'a national treasure' by the Independent and as 'one of life's fact-finders' by the Scotsman, Philip Ardagh has written books on subjects ranging from archaeology to space flight, and has still found time to write the best-selling Eddie Dickens children's novels, now in thirty languages; to review children's books for the Guardian; and appear at events and festivals around the world. His most distinguishing features are his height (6ft 7in), his beard (bushy), his large feet (size 16) and his strange sense of humour. He is married with one son.