Michael grew up in North Wales. After reading English Language and Literature at Manchester University, he trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and enjoyed five years as an internationally unknown professional actor and musical director. He followed this with five years in publishing before becoming a bestselling author of popular non-fiction, gift books and humour for adults and children. Currently he has over eighty titles in print, published by a wide range of industry-leaders, on topics as diverse as world history, quirky science, international etiquette and self development to dream interpretation, brain boosting and virulent diseases. He lives on the Somerset Levels with his wife, two teenagers and a Golden Retriever called Doug.