Louis de Bernieres, born in 1954, is a British writer, poet and musician who has written several novels, collections of poetry, and albums of his own songs. He has a degree in philosophy from Manchester University, a PGCE from Leicester Polytechnic, and a masters degree from London. He performs concerts of his own poetry and songs. He has had many jobs, including army cadet, teacher, motorcycle messenger, carpenter, and landscape gardener. He lives in Norfolk with his son, Robin, daughter Sophie, and five cats.