Peter Lamont is a Professor of History and Theory of Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His previous five books, and many articles, have been on a variety of curious topics, such as magic, belief, wonder and critical thinking. He is also a former professional magician and has been a consultant and contributor to many television and radio programmes. His popular books have been highly praised in the popular press, and by individuals such as Derren Brown, Teller (of Penn and Teller), Simon Singh and Hilary Mantel.