Theodore Ell studied literature and modern languages at the University of Sydney, spent time in Florence for archival research, and was awarded a PhD in 2010. For several years he worked freelance as an editor, translator and researcher, work that culminated in his book A Voice in the Fire (2015), which brought to light unknown Italian anti-fascist writing. In 2018, he accompanied his wife on a diplomatic posting to Lebanon, and while living in Beirut, they survived the port explosion of August 2020. Returning to Australia in early 2021, they settled in Canberra once again. Theodore’s non-fiction and translations have been published in Australia, Italy, and the United Kingdom. He is an honorary lecturer in literature at the Australian National University. His essay, ‘Façades of Lebanon’, won the 2021 Calibre Essay Prize.