Harry Riley's Biography Harry was born in Nottingham England in 1940, Real name David Michael Page. Harry's mother was of Irish-Catholic descent-(The Brett’s of Tubercurry, County Sligo). Father had enlisted as a soldier at the start of WW2 and was-listed missing, presumed dead ‘A dad who he had never met until 1946 when ‘International Red-Cross’ discovered him at a Japanese P. O. War camp, in the Burmese jungle and repatriated him. He was emaciated, with a ‘wounded’ leg (later amputated.) ‘Harry claims he didn’t want, or need this gaunt stranger, who was to destroy his comfy status as ‘man-of-the-house.’ Later came 3 more siblings. 2 brothers and a sister. Harry insists he'd never read a book until he was ten and has never stopped ‘rapaciously’ reading history: adventure books, and war biographies ever since. Aged five he attended John Player School until eleven (after enduring a year's break from school owing to Rheumatic Fever) and then left to join Wm. Crane Sec., Modern, until fifteen. Leaving school with ‘A’s in English, Art, History, and Technical Drawing, his further education was provided by Nottingham Art College and an indentured apprenticeship to large Commercial Printing Company. During this time I spent four years with South Notts Hussars R.A. Field Reg., (T.A. Gunner). (He Retired from ill health-Rheumatic Fever for the second time.) Marrying Maggie in the meantime in 1965), (happily, now 80-plus years) and proudly fathering, son Stephen and daughter Karen. Aged forty and seeking a career in sales he joined the first of 3 London-based companies, traveling, often with customer chief executives around the UK, Europe, Denmark, and Switzerland, offering them new International printing presses and allied printing systems. He continued this sales-activity for over the next three decades, until 2002 when he joined a local printing company until Retirement, aged 69 in 2009.Interests: D.I.Y: Gardening: Travelling ‘the CumbrianLakes,’ Northumberland and Scottish Borders, where he bought a cottage on the banks of the glorious River Tweed, near Sir Walter Scott’s Norham, ‘Marmion’ castle. Being involved in local community and writing 16 books, all published from 2009 to 2019, inc., two novels: ‘Sins of the Father’ and ‘The Laird of Castle Ballantine’: several collections of short stories: poetry anthology, including war poem: ‘Remember Me, the voice of the Dead’: Millside-radio drama play ’Twice Loved’: a Millside-radio pantomime,’ and local history books: Broadcasting: 36+ scripts for BBC Radio Nottm., Millside Radio Programmes: ‘HarryxxxxxRiley’ and ‘Harry Riley321’ channels on YouTube (with 100 ten minute tales).2011: He stood as a Lib-Dem. candidate in local council elections (but 800 votes was not enough to secure a seat on the council.) Harry concluded politics was not for him as he was far too hot headed! He did spend 2 years working as unpaid journalist with The Eastwood and Kimberley Advertiser reporting monthly reports of Eastwood Neighbourhood Watch Meetings. Harry's Favourite authors: Thomas Hardy: Nigel Tranter: John Buchan: Walter Scott: Michael Connelly: Peter Robinson. D.H.Lawrence (particularly his short stories and essays) and Charles Dickens.Favourite Novel: The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. ‘I’ve met several Michael Henchard’s’ (Casterbridge-Mayor) ‘businessmen, each ‘generous to a fault, but each with an ‘Amoral-Streak’ and each who could become ruthless enemies if crossed.’Favorite Poems: ‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allan Poe: (Hear Christopher Lee’s great-spooky-reading on YouTube): ‘Sea Fever’ By John Masefield: ‘The Song of Hiawatha’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Tam o’ Shanter by Robbie Burns. Harry's 17th book and possibly his last: The Serendipity of Life: Achievments: ‘getting married...contented...and still alive.Read more about this authorRead less about this author