Robert Guidi is a curious mix: half engineer, half storyteller. He studied Engineering (Mechanical, of course) at Manchester University where he wrote and staged 2 plays. On graduating he helped design a robotic vacuum cleaner at Dyson, tried writing for a couple of London magazines and failed to organise a charity cabaret. He then spent 6 years installing engine production lines for a car company before going solo as an engineering consultant and, latterly, landing a grown-up job in Mergers & Acquisitions.

In his idle moments, Robert enjoys creating musical and visual doodles that, until now, have never seen the light of day. Isambard and the Cato Street Conspiracy is his first novel and brings together his love for magic, history and scientific contraptions.

Some "interesting" facts about the author

Here are some facts about Robert Guidi, interesting or otherwise, you can decide:

• I live with my wife, three kids and dog near the Devil’s Punchbowl in the UK

• I have broken both thumbs in 2 separate sledging accidents (1 break per accident) - that's the cost of living on the edge

• I worked for Dyson as a summer intern on the team building a robotic / autonomous vacuum cleaner. For me, it was a privilege to work with such fun, creative and professional designers. For them it was a nightmare. I was not asked back.

• Whilst at University (studying Mechanical Engineering with French) I:

  • wrote and staged 2 plays;

  • published a Yearbook for our class; and

  • spent a year studying in France with an internship in Paris (they didn't ask me back either)

• My favourite food is breakfast cereal. And lunchtime cereal. And before-bed cereal.