Born near London in 1940, a Swiss resident since 1961, and a Swiss citizen since 1980, for 53 years Nigel Patten taught English and literature at an international alpine lycée preparing French students for the baccalaureate. Since retiring from teaching, he has published 14 books in English and French. For many years, Patten acted and directed for a theatre company, appearing in leading roles. For 15 years he sailed his own yacht in Greece and Turkey. An inveterate traveller, the author's trips have taken him to every country in Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and North America. He has twice climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and completed long-distance trail hikes such as the GR20 in Corsica.