Born in Evanston, Illinois and raised on the North Shore of Chicago, Richard C. Lyons has been a life-long admirer of the written word. Lyons interweaves his self-motivated education in history, philosophy and poetry throughout But By the Chance of War. Professionally, Lyons is a third generation printer, whose father dedicated his life to education in the publishing field. Lyons has been directly and indirectly involved in the printing, publishing, stage and television production industries throughout his professional career. His education background took him through Loyola Academy, the University of North Texas and a graduate career at Southern Methodist University, Cox School of Business. Richard Lyons now resides in the Florida Keys with his wife and two children.