About the Author

Mark Vernon is a writer, broadcaster and journalist. He began his professional life as a priest in the Church of England: it may not seem an obvious step from there to journalism but writing a sermon is remarkably similarly to writing a feature; and speaking to parishoners is remarkably like talking to a microphone.

His academic interests led him from physics to philosophy via theology. Michel Foucault introduced him to the ancient Greeks on friendship; he thinks that Plato has it just about right on that one at least.

He has a PhD from Warwick University in philosophy, degrees in theology from Oxford University and Durham University, and a physics degree from Durham University.

He went freelance 10 years ago following the publication of an article in the Independent newspaper on supermarket loyalty cards - then a very new idea - and now writes regularly for the Guardian, The Philosophers' Magazine, TLS, Financial Times and New Statesman, alongside a range of business titles, including Management Today. He also broadcasts, notably on BBC Radio 4's In Our Time.

He is an Honorary Research Fellow at Birkbeck College, University of London.

'He's never gonna be modelling for any L'Oreal ads but in a world too often peopled by mind-numbingly boring journeymen, Vernon is a one-off. A doctor of philosophy who understands the tech business world and writes books about friendship has got to be worth listening to.' Matthew Gwyther, Editor, Management Today

Top of Page