Anthony David Dermot Livesey was educated at Hill Place Preparatory School and All Hallows School, Rousdon. After National Service when he was commissioned, he went to RADA, where he won the silver medal, but he decided against acting in favour of freelance writing. He was assistant editor of Art & Artists from 1966 to 1970 and wrote on art subjects for The Spectator. He also edited and contributed to A Treasury of World Antiques which was published in 1980.