Born in Cornwall, spending most of his teenage weekends on Dartmoor, Philip Gross has a feel for wild places and ideas. He now lives in Bristol and he finds that wildness in the city too.

He knows about young people—years of visiting schools and bringing up his children while he was emerging as a writer of novels, poems, stage and radio plays, even the libretti for two children’s operas.

Philip is a well-known poet for both adults and children, and his work has never been afraid to tackle real-life issues. 'The Wasting Game', shortlisted for the Whitbread Poetry Award, dealt with anorexia.

'Going for Stone', Philip’s first novel, deals with issues, relevant to many young people, of falling under the sway of a cult, and of striving for perfection. 'The Lastling', Philip’s new novel is set in the high valleys of the Himalayas and is a startling and gripping story written with a true poetic flair.

Profile supplied by OUP. Last updated June 2003.