John Brown is Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta, his working home of twenty-six years. Prior to that time he observed the academic world from the other side of the podium as a student at the University of Saskatchewan, University of Washington and Cornell University.

He has also enjoyed international work opportunities in Nairobi, Paris, London, Edinburgh and China that have stretched his world view beyond North America. His background has resulted in a consistent thread of including the world of academe in his writing.

Phoenix is his sixth book since leaving the world of higher education. He has now found a writing home in Vancouver.