The concept for Dares Again the Field sprung from Harry’s interest in history and research into his Devon family’s background. The fascinating people and events he uncovered presented a puzzle, like a jigsaw, and one with quite a few missing pieces. But by assembling the information, and filling in some of the gaps, Harry constructed this absorbing story about the Distin family in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as resolving a couple of mysteries along the way.

The book is Harry Maer’s first novel. The title “Dares Again the Field” is a quote taken from an aria The Soldier Tir’d by Thomas Arne (1710-88).

Harry is a graduate of University College London with an honours degree in economics and geography. After a varied career in the automotive, chemical and finance industries, involving a great deal of travel, plus fitting in a year’s teaching, he took early retirement because of advancing visual impairment. He then spent a period working alongside UK sight loss charities and was delighted to be presented with a national award for Outstanding Achievement.

Harry and his wife live in Devon. They have two grown up children and one grandchild. He enjoys football, music and partaking the local beer.