Jack Lively is a British professor of politics and author, best known for his political works and the "Tom Keeler" series. He was born in Sheffield, England in 1930, but spent much of his childhood in the United States. As a child, Lively attended the Royal Grammar School and later graduated from St John's College as a teenager.
Before becoming an author, Lively worked a variety of odd jobs and traveled extensively. His jobs included working as a fisherman, an ice cream truck driver, an underwater cinematographer, a gas station attendant, and an outboard engine repairman. Despite this diverse work experience, Lively's love of reading and writing was a constant in his life. He often wrote in bars, cafes, and while traveling on boats, trains, and buses. After finishing his first book, Lively decided to try and get it published, leading to his career as a successful author.
The "Tom Keeler" series follows the character of Keeler, a veteran combat medic who served in a special tactics unit of the United States Air Force. The series begins with Keeler's discharge from the military, as he seeks to roam free and leave his past behind. However, Keeler soon finds himself unable to ignore the problems of the world around him and becomes embroiled in various conflicts and challenges. Lively's own experiences traveling and working in a variety of environments are reflected in the series, which explores themes of violence, morality, and the human condition.
Lively currently resides in London with his family. His political works and the "Tom Keeler" series have cemented his reputation as a talented and thought-provoking author, known for his incisive analysis and compelling storytelling.