Anthony Miall was born in the Lake District but migrated south at nine months old. He spent his childhood in Royal Tunbridge Wells, in Kent, where he had ample opportunity to observe the English at their most characteristic.
Apart from a brief spell in 'the north' he has spent his life safely in the south, within easy reach of France. This suits him very well because he has always felt he never quite qualified in Englishness. Among the subjects he is unable to get to grips with are discomfort and moderation. Nevertheless, held in thrall by his two cats, he is obliged to admit to giving way to the thoroughly English tradition of pet worship, fondly recalling a period when he worked in Public Relations and promoted water beds for sensitive dogs.