Allan Marriott has an extensive background in education, community development and primary health. He is the author of A Bridge Over: The story of John Masters, veteran fighter, (non-fiction 2009 and 2nd edition 2010) and Mud Beneath My Boots: The poignant memoir of the effects of war on a young New Zealander, (non-fiction 2005), both highly acclaimed; and Joshua, (fiction 1992), and The Prance of Men, (non-fiction 1988).