Born in 1938, Michael Gaze grew up surrounded by the effects of a war, boarding schools, rarely seeing his parents but leading to a self-employed life and great responsibility without the need for ...view moreBorn in 1938, Michael Gaze grew up surrounded by the effects of a war, boarding schools, rarely seeing his parents but leading to a self-employed life and great responsibility without the need for university. Education came from life, work and constant self-instruction. Five wildly differing occupations have given life and experiences far removed from the ordinary. Brought up on a dairy farm followed by a stint in repertory theatre, then a tedious business making medical instruments after which landscape contracting including some major London contracts and then into the insurance world where he met wonderful informative clients. In retirement he started to write and to edit factual books but his life-long interest in corsetry and his collection of antique garments has led him towards building upon his upbringing and a unique novel based around the effect of Victorian fashion upon a group of modern women who find improved looks, comfort and security. He lives with his years-younger Russian second wife, near to where he was born in Sussex.view less