Edmund Hartley was born in Kent, England, in 1932 into a Catholic family. He began his schooling with the Benedictines, who asked him to leave, and completed his education under the Xaverian Brothers. Considered intellectually mediocre, he was put to Art School where he obtained the appropriate diplomas. National Service (1953-55) followed, culminating in the award of a Commission. Then, at the age of twenty-three, having decided that the Catholic priesthood was the highest possible human attainment, he was accepted for training and began his studies (1955-61) at St John's Seminary, near Guildford, Surrey, along with two of his three brothers. A period as a curate followed, after which he was drafted into the Army again, this time as a Chaplain. As a priest in service uniform for over eighteen years he spent time in Germany, Malaya and the UK. Since leaving the Army in 1983, he has been looking after a parish in south-east Kent.

Access the world's religions with Simple Guides: Religion a series of concise, accessible introductions to the world's major religions.