Richard Lee Ferguson has been passionate about Asia since he was a small boy, when his father told him stories about his experiences as a Marine officer in China. His passion grew deeper as a result of his own experiences in Vietnam where he spent almost a year in the jungle fighting the Viet Cong, the North Vietnamese Army, and malaria. After returning from the war, he obtained a Master's Degree in Asian Studies, learned to speak, read and write Chinese, established numerous businesses in Asia, and became a lawyer. He practiced international law, advised businesses on their global operations and strategies, lectured at local universities on Asian culture and business law, traveled frequently to Asia, and participated in seminars in Vietnam and China for business and government leaders. He is currently living in a secluded rural town veiled by the forests of Northern California, retired from his professional life, and is teaching classes in history, science, literature, government, economics, and psychology to gifted high school students while continuing his writing.