Stanley Goldyn was born and bred in Melbourne, and graduated at Monash University (Clayton) with a Master's degree, majoring in physics and engineering. His work with a multinational plastics and chemicals company took him regularly around the globe, and the long flights supported his passion for reading. His interest deepened in the relatively little-known Thirty Years' War of 1618-1648, a period of savage and bloodthirsty turbulence in Europe's history. Enjoying action and adventure, he wanted to capture this phase of romance, elegance, duelling and chivalry, and so The Cavalier Club was born. He currently resides in Ringwood North, Victoria.