Russell Hoban is an American who has lived in England for thirty-six years. He is the author of more than sixty books including such celebrated novels as Riddley Walker, Pilgerman and Turtle Diary. His two classic children's books, How Tom Beat Captain Najork and A Near Thing for Captain Najork, were reissued by Godine in 2006. Hoban has an active fan club called The Kraken and has inspired symposiums based on his writing.