BILL BRYSON

Bill Bryson was once a sub-editor with The Times. Since those giddy heights, he has found only marginally more fame as a bestselling writer. Born in Iowa, he settled in England in 1977 and for many years lived in North Yorkshire before returning to the United States, where he now lives. Perhaps his best-loved books are the two "Notes" works, Notes from a Small Island (1995) and Notes from a Big Country (1998). His most recent work, published earlier this year, is Down Under, which qualifies him admirably for his stint as a columnist for The Times during the Games.