I am a freelance writer and photographer, I have written many books about Science and History. I do some broadcasting on radio and television. I like working from home, often with a cat helping on my desk.

When I have to travel I like to do it by bike and train.

Events and Talks

I give lots of public talks and lectures, including after-dinner speeches and award presentations.  See my Events page to find out if I am appearing somewhere near you. Or contact my agent to arrange a talk for your organisation.

Watch mini-videos and podcasts.

My latest Book - Inventions

Published October 2012

Engineers

This is an epic visual guide to the great engineers who have built our world. Full of great tales of achievement and ingenuity, "Engineers" celebrates 80 of the greatest engineers that ever lived and the stamp they have left on the world. Learn all about how their projects have changed the course of history and added to human progress from the men who built the Great Pyramid in Egypt to the Industrial Revolution and the impressive structures of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and on to the pioneers of space travel and the computer scientists of today.

Published May 2012

The Book of Time

From water clocks to atomic chronometers, people have always tried to keep track of time, while wondering what it is, and why women, plants, and fish have cycles linked to the Moon. How can a jellyfish sting you in less than a microsecond, although you won’t feel the pain for a million times longer? Does time really slow down when you are bored and speed up in emergencies? Was there a beginning of time, and will there be an end?

Buy now from Amazon: The Book of Time: Everything You Need to Know About the Biggest Idea in the Universe

The Science Museum

In March 2011, I opened a new Exhibition at The Science Museum entitled "James Watt and our World". This brilliant new exhibit features Watt's original workshop, completely reassembled and moved to the Science Museum in London. Watch a video about it on YouTube.

Promotional Film for BP

Click here to see a recent film I made for BP about carbon offsetting.

Why I support the Historic Royal Palaces:  

Prince Albert was a champion of Victorian innovation and industry - and apparently very fond of gadgets! In this video I champion the campaign to transform Kensington Palace by 2012, I tell you a bit more about my love of the Victorians - and explain why you should play your part in the palace's future.