In this first volume of his autobiography, Michael Kelly provides important – and often hilarious – background to the material already published in volumes 2 and 3: The Children of Set and The Magus in Clown Shoes. In this book, Michael revisits the memories of his childhood, growing up in a rural corner of the Isle of Man, then takes us on a journey through his schooldays, covering the period from birth to eighteen years old. We find the root values (and flaws) of his personality revealed from an early age, and trace the beginnings of his interest in magic, together with the foundations that came to define his character, ethics, aesthetics and sense of purpose in life. A tale which is often self-deprecating and hilarious, as no stones are left unturned or warts unmasked. This book is straight talking, often barbed, and packed full of humour and earthy observations. It doesn't shy away from discussing the essential tribulations of adolescence, and nor should it, presenting pathos and angst in a way that is often cripplingly funny in its shamelessness.