Stephen Biesty studied illustration, specializing in historical and architectural cutaway drawings. Since becoming a full-time illustrator in 1985 he has worked on a variety of information books for adults and children. His first book for DK Publishing was published in 1992. That volume was the inspiration for a new range of successful cross-section books such as Man-of-War, published in 1993, followed by Castle, published in 1994, Incredible Explosions in 1996 and Incredible Everything in 1997.

Bietsy lives in Somerset, England in a converted village hall.