Erik Sass holds a BA in history from Duke University and an MA in journalism from NYU. Since 2011 he has written a blog covering the causes of the First World War, as well as the events of the war itself, to commemorate the centennial of the conflict.

He is also the author of The Mental Floss History of the United States and coauthor of The Mental Floss History of the World. He lives in Silver Spring, MD with his husband and daughter.

Will Pearson left home aged 15 and joined the Royal Navy. After seven years and two world tours, he won a scholarship to Ruskin workers' education college, and from there went on to read French at Oriel College, Oxford. After various careers, Will turned his hand to writing.

His first book, the best-selling Tornado Down was followed by a string of other non-fiction titles both ghosted and in his own name. Will lives in London with his wife and two children.