Born in the district of Cumbria in northwest England almost a century ago, Arthur Porter describes a remarkable life with eloquent sensitivity and charming candor. This memoir by a major contributor to modern science is filled with vivid accounts of both his personal experiences and professional accomplishments. As a third-year student at the University of Manchester, Porter worked with Douglas Hartree, one of the most influential computer pioneers of his day. Porter was also a colleague of Marshall McLuhan. His faculty assignments have taken him to the University of Toronto, the University of London, the University of Manchester, the University of Saskatchewan, and the Royal Military College of Science. A scientist yes, but with catholic interests: He has chaired a Royal Commission, a World's Fair Advisory Committee and several advisory bodies on topics like environmental protection, nuclear power and automation and employment. Professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, Porter was recently awarded an honorary degree from the University of Manchester. Arthur Porter is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. He and his wife Patricia are residents of Bermuda Village, North Carolina.