Ian R Mitchell is a historian who gave up teaching to devote himself to writing full time. The author of various journal articles and a textbook on Bismarck, after graduating from university in his native Aberdeen in 1973 Ian taught for over 20 years at Clydebank College, mainly on German history. A lifelong hillwalker, Ian has produced several other books, including Scotland's Mountains before the Mountaineers, a pre-history of explorations and ascents in the Scottish mountains. He also writes frequently on outdoor matters for climbing journals and the general media. In addition, he gives talks and slide shows on his books.