Jack Byard was born in Bradford in Yorkshire where he has lived and worked all his life. A Rolls Royce mechanic by trade, and a jewelry craftsman in his later years, Jack spent the better part of his working life as a school workshop technician, imparting his knowledge to young people. He has always had a deep affection for his rural heritage and so wrote his first book, Know Your Sheep, with a view to sharing with others the countryside that he loves. Three years later there is no sign of a quiet retirement for Jack just yet. Know Your Pigs is his sixth book.