A bit more about Stephan Biesty's Flying Machines and author Ian Graham
Stephen Biesty, born on January 27, 1961, in Coventry, England, is a renowned British illustrator celebrated for his intricate cross-section illustrations. Growing up in Leicestershire, he pursued his passion for art at Loughborough College of Art and Design before transferring to Brighton Polytechnic, where he earned a BA in Graphic Design with a focus on illustration. He furthered his studies with an MA in Graphic Design at the City of Birmingham Polytechnic, specializing in historical reconstruction. Biesty's unique artistic style combines meticulous attention to detail with a freehand approach, as he prefers to draw without the aid of rulers or digital tools.
Biesty gained international acclaim in the 1990s with his bestselling series Incredible Cross-Sections, published by Dorling Kindersley. This series has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 16 languages. His collaboration with writer Richard Platt has produced several popular titles, including Man-of-War and Castle, which have also been adapted into educational video games. His work is characterized by its ability to engage readers of all ages by blending educational content with captivating visuals, often incorporating human figures to create a sense of atmosphere and context.
Throughout his career, Biesty has received numerous accolades for his contributions to children's literature, including the New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award and the UK Literacy Association Children's Book Award. He has participated in notable exhibitions and has worked on high-profile projects such as the Millennium Dome and the Royal Opera House redevelopment. Currently residing in Somerset with his family, Biesty continues to inspire young readers through his detailed illustrations and engaging storytelling.
And now a bit about Ian Graham
Ian Graham is a prolific author known for his engaging illustrated non-fiction books aimed at children and young adults. Among his most popular works are titles from the You Wouldn't Want to... series, which includes You Wouldn't Want to Be on Apollo 13! and You Wouldn't Want to Be a World War II Pilot!, both of which blend humor with educational content about historical events and figures.
In addition to this series, Graham has written extensively on topics related to science and technology, including Machines at Work and Space!. His book Flying Machines, which features illustrations by Stephen Biesty, showcases various aircraft throughout history. Other notable works include graphic novels based on classic literature, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Robinson Crusoe. With over 240 published books, Ian Graham continues to inspire curiosity about science and history among young readers through his informative and visually appealing writing style.
