Dr. Simon Mitton graduated in physics at Oxford University and subsequently completed a doctorate in radio astronomy at Cambridge University, supervised by Hoyle s archrival, Sir Martin Ryle. Hoyle awarded him a visiting fellowship at the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy. After Hoyle's 1972 resignation, Mitton was appointed as the graduate administrator of the Institute of Astronomy at Cambridge. During his tenure of that position he became acquainted with many of Hoyle s associates, whose vivid recollections contribute to the richness of this biography. Simon Mitton has already written or edited 10 books on contemporary astronomical themes. The author is a Fellow of St. Edmund s College, Cambridge. He has served as a council member of the Royal Astronomical Society. He is a member of the International Astronomical Union.