Matthew was born in El Salvador in 1970 to an expatriate family and while growing up lived in Britain, Norway and Barbados. He read English at Balliol College Oxford, then worked in a number of roles in book publishing in London from salesman to commissioning editor.
His first book, published in 2000, was about the Battle of Britain. Then followed Monte Cassino, Panama Fever (Hell’s Gorge in UK paperback), The Sugar Barons, Goldeneye and Willoughbyland. His most recent book, published on 28 September, tells the story of 29 September 1923, a hundred years ago, when the British Empire reached its maximum territorial extent.
When not writing/staring out of the window, he loves making sushi, pubs, growing stuff and visiting remote places.
He is a member of the Authors Cricket Club, and wrote a chapter of A Season of English Cricket from Hackney to Hambledon. He is also a contributor to the Oxford Companion to Sweets.
He has been elected a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and lives in East London with his wife, three children and annoying dog.