Philip Steele worked for the Hodder group, Hamlyn, and Macdonald Educational where he edited children's information books. In the 1980s, he set up as a freelance writer and publishing consultant and has been writing ever since. He has written numerous titles on history, the natural world, social issues, and lands and peoples. Well-known series and publishers Philip has written for include DK Eyewitness, e-encyclopedia, Kingfisher, Franklin Watts, and National Geographic. Philip is based in the UK.