Robert Wileman

I began my writing journey during the early COVID-19 lockdown, when lodge closures revealed a quiet but important problem: many brethren, especially newly initiated Freemasons, lacked access to meaningful, structured Masonic education. While online meetings preserved connection, they could not replace understanding.

From that need came *Freemasonry: Navigating the Craft*, written to guide both new and experienced Freemasons through the symbolism, traditions, and practical realities of the lodge.

Over time, my work expanded beyond the lodge room and into the wider currents of history. I began exploring the enduring legacy of Freemasonry, the dramatic rise and fall of the Knights Templar, and the powerful institutions and ideas that have shaped civilizations.

This passion for uncovering pivotal moments in history led to the creation of the *Epic Battles* series, a growing collection of books examining conflicts that changed the course of nations. These volumes go beyond dates and battlefield movements to explore leadership under pressure, strategic gambles, political tensions, and the human cost behind every decision. They seek to answer not only what happened, but why it still matters today.

Alongside my historical writing sits a very different, but deeply personal, collection of books: the *Uncle Kenny* series. Inspired by my real-life Uncle Kenny from Liverpool, these stories grew out of the wonderful tales he filled my childhood with. To me, he was more than an uncle, he was a storyteller who made the impossible seem possible, turning ordinary days into unforgettable adventures. Although the stories are fictional, they are rooted in the warmth, humour, kindness, and boundless imagination of the man who inspired them.

The *Uncle Kenny* books celebrate curiosity, friendship, family, and the belief that every child deserves someone who encourages them to dream a little bigger than the world around them. They are written not simply to entertain, but to leave young readers with memories, conversations, and values that will stay with them long after the final page.

Whether writing about ancient orders, medieval crusading knights, world-changing battles, or the adventures of a remarkable uncle, my aim remains the same: to tell stories that educate, inspire, and endure. Above all, I write for readers who want more than surface narratives, for those who seek knowledge, wonder, and a deeper understanding of the people, events, and relationships that shape our lives.