Born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, Paul L. Dawson received his undergraduate degree in archaeology from Bradford University and his master of arts by research from Leeds University. Since 1998, he had written or co-authored over forty books, primarily on the French Army of the Napoleonic Wars and the history of his home city. As well as an author, he is an accomplished horseman and classical riding instructor, as well as musician and Unitarian lay minister serving communities across West and South Yorkshire.