I have always had an interest in history. In particular, how battles and wars have influenced the course of world events and people's lives. My curiosity ranges from the campaigns of Julius Ceasar to the Napoleonic wars to Vietnam. During this search I discovered the Battle of Vimy Ridge. As a Canadian it resonated with me because of it's impact on Canada truly becoming a nation. From a world perspective it was significant for its impact on battlefield tactics that is felt to this present day.
My exploration of Vimy Ridge started as a hobby. I'm not an academic with degrees in history nor did I serve in the military. At many times when I was researching and writing this book, I felt like an outsider. Nevertheless, with sufficient drive and energy, along with the help of others, even an outsider can make a contribution. For seven years I poured through books on the Great War, War Diaries, and soldier's recollections. It went from pursuing a hobby on week-ends and evenings to taking a sabbatical from my law practice to commit to the book full time.