about the author

Timothy David Mack is a relatively recent figure on the literary scene, known mostly for his nonfiction publications on military subjects and on avian science.

The reclusive author is winner of the Houdini Award for Nonfiction for his series on the Malayan Emergency, and the Mascarpone Book Prize for his account of the Chindits during the Burma campaign. Mr. Mack is also credited with a study on the endangered Mascarene petrel, published in several scientific journals and books, including the definitive work Joseph Johns: Pelagic Birds. His one-man play Sisyphus Revisited won grand prize at the Edinburgh Festival.

Although not authenticated, information available on the solitary author indicates he was born on a blue-water schooner anchored in the Portuguese port of Macau to a Scots-Irish mother and an American father. By necessity, he was homeschooled during his early years as his parents traveled the world, his father pursuing his profession as a mega-project construction manager. The records indicate Timothy graduated secondary school from Eton in Berkshire, followed by a stint at Yale University, dropping out in his third year to become a merchant seaman.

In addition to spending several years at sea, the writer reportedly acquired Special Forces training during this interval; in addition, he has been an explorer, scientist, photographer, and businessman. It appears he has acquired a working proficiency in several languages, being credited with a pioneering translation of the Upanishads into Gaelic, and the translation of select Japanese literature into English.

An accomplished sailor, the author won the around-the-world Joshua Slocum Solo Competition in 1987 and is known to appear at presentations for charities. It is reported he is an avid black powder gun collector and scuba diver.

A devoted contemplative, Mr. Mack spends several months a year on retreat in a remote Benedictine abbey in the French Alps. The last interview he gave was in 1986.

The Orchid and the Emerald is a collaborative effort of the authors Kevin McNeill, David McNeill, and Tim Wendland.

Timothy David Mack, a purely satirical concoction, is a pseudonym and registered trademark of the authors.