Michael Korda was born on October 8, 1933 in London, England. He was educated at Le Rosey in Switzerland and at Magdalen College, Oxford. While serving in the Royal Air Force, he took part in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. On its fiftieth anniversary, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the People's Republic of Hungary. He is the former editor in chief of Simon & Schuster. He is also the author of numerous books including Hero: The Life and Legend of Lawrence of Arabia, With Wings Like Eagles: A History of the Battle of Britain, Clouds of Glory: The Life and Legend of Robert E. Lee, and Cat People, co-authored with his wife Margaret.