About

I graduated with a double major in English and History from UCLA and then read Greats (Greek and Latin language and literature) at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, where I took an Upper Second. Since 1990 I have written professionally, first as an educational reference writer and then on my own.

The overarching theme that connects my books and articles is the so-called “clash of faith and reason” and how it has played out in history. I find that issues around faith and reason have been widely misunderstood by believers and non-believers alike, and that ideas like God and faith—even belief itself—need to be rebuilt from the ground up. My interest in writing systems, and my two current trade book projects on the alphabet and the origins of religious faith, grew out of these investigations. If that arouses your curiosity, all the better.

In 1998 I moved from Los Angeles back to the region where I grew up, the Champlain Valley of northern New York State, which borders the Adirondack Mountains. It's a beautiful, rugged, rural area. I live in the small town of Westport, NY, on the shore of Lake Champlain, and I love to hike, climb, bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or just walk up the road a bit. For two decades I worked at the after-school program here in town. I've also served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. And for more than two decades I’ve been a well-fed member of Essex Farm, a thumping great CSA (and literary landmark) nearby where I get my food each week.

I give frequent talks about my writing and will be happy to entertain your invitation. Use the Talks button for information, then click on Contact if you're interested in hearing more. But don't look for me on social media, as the only person I follow is the immortal Bartleby.