David Macaulay was born in Burton-on-Trent, Lancashire, England, on 2 December 1945, son of James and Joan Lowe Macaulay. His books provide an excellent example of the fact that childhood experiences, interests, memories, and associations come to the surface in adult years and have a significant impact upon creative performance. His father, an industrial engineer, introduced him at an early age to simple technology--how to construct and make things work. When Macaulay was eleven he moved to the United States with his parents but did not leave his love for England behind. He still retains his British citizenship and collects memorabilia of his life there, such as a miniature coronation set complete with golden carriage and royal band on horseback. His cherished memories and experiences surface by way of the imagination in his books.

Macaulay's academic background includes a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design...