Allan Marriott (1944-2016) has an extensive background in education, community development and primary health. He is the author of: A Bridge Over: The story of John Masters, veteran fighter, (non-fiction 2009 and 2nd edition 2010); Mud Beneath My Boots: The poignant memoir of the effects of war on a young New Zealander, (non-fiction 2005) – both highly acclaimed; Joshua, (fiction 1992), and The Prance of Men, (non-fiction 1988).

Mud Beneath My Boots was selected by the book Publishers Association of New Zealand (PANZ) and by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise as an example of a New Zealand biography/memoir for display at international Book Fairs in 2006 and 2007.