Gordon Jarvie began his career as an English teacher, later working as a publisher and writer. His books include The Bloomsbury Grammar Guide (2nd edn 2007) and other language titles; Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales (2nd edn 2007); and The Scottish Reciter, which this collection replaces and updates. He has edited various other anthologies, and with his wife has written several Scottie Books for children. His most recent poetry pamphlet is The Tale of the Crail Whale. He lives in the East Neuk of Fife.