In his non-literary life his interest in landscape led to a degree in Geography and a career in Town and Country Planning; eventually he became a Conservation Officer for Hull City Council before his retirement in 1997.

[4] The book was reviewed by Pagan studies scholar Chas S. Clifton in The Pomegranate academic journal, in which he praised Heselton as "an outstanding researcher", who had "dug deeper than anyone before him" into Gardner's life.

[11][12] In The Pomegranate, the biography was reviewed by Pagan studies scholar Ethan Doyle White, who commented that it was "more exhaustive with greater detail" than Heselton's prior tomes and was "excellent in most respects".

[13] He nevertheless expressed a sceptical opinion of Heselton's "uncritical" use of Patricia Crowther's testimony regarding Alex Sanders, the omission of any mention of Anton Miles, and the lack of biographical depth on the individuals who surrounded Gardner.

[18] It was again reviewed in The Pomegranate by Doyle White, who described it as "an easily accessible read", adding "there can be little dispute that once again, Heselton has done a great service to the study of Wiccan history.