The World's Most Magnificent Machines

Writer and historian David Long is the award-winning and bestselling author of the acclaimed Survivors series, Pirates Magnified, We are the Romans, The World's Most Magnificent Machines, Tragedy at Sea, The Story of the London Underground and more than twenty other non-fiction books on a wide range of historical subjects. He is married to Rosy and lives in Suffolk. David says: I wrote to a few of my favourite authors when I was at school. I was genuinely delighted when they wrote back to answer my questions. I didn't collect autographs or anything like that but I loved finding out more about the books I most enjoyed. I think I probably imagined they would find the letters tiresome, or that they wouldn't want to be interrupted, but most seemed to enjoy hearing from their readers. I know I do. It is one of the things I like most about being a children's author, and engaging with readers in this way is a constant delight. Simon Tyler is an author, illustrator and graphic designer. In 2013 he launched the acclaimed infographic poster brand Atomic Printworks. His books include Bugs, Insects and Adventures in Space. He lives on the Sussex coast with his young family, and enjoys climbing rocks and collecting bicycles.