Walter Hayman was born in Cologne, Germany in 1926, and was sent to Britain in 1938 to escape the Nazis. Educated at Gordonstoun School in Scotland and at St John's College, Cambridge, he was influenced by M. L. Cartwright and J. E. Littlewood. After a period at various universities he was elected to the Royal Society in 1956 and appointed Professor of Pure Mathematics at Imperial College, London. For over 30 years he ran a famous school in Complex Analysis, attracting mathematicians from all over the world. After retiring, he then spent 10 years at York before returning to Imperial College, where he is a Senior Research Fellow. He has received many prizes, awards and honorary degrees. Twice widowed, he now lives in Gloucestershire with his third wife, Marie. He gives a frank account of a life dominated by mathematics, music, friendship, family and service. There are 15 photographs, a complete list of his 218 publications to date, and a comprehensive index. A paperback edition is also available.