Ian Serraillier was born on September 24, 1912, in London, England. He received his master's degree from St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, in 1935, and then taught at Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire from 1936 to 1939. He continued his teaching career at Dudley Grammar School in Dudley, Worcestershire, from 1939 to 1946, and at Midhurst Grammar School in Midhurst, Sussex, from 1946 to 1961.

Serraillier has published many books for young adults and children, including numerous works of poetry. He has retold the myths and legends of classical and medieval times, often in the form of narrative verse, and most of his stories demonstrate his taste for tales of high adventure. He received the Boys' Clubs of America Junior Book Award for The Silver Sword in 1960.