Martin was born in Liverpool in 1961. He studied history at Oxford and information science at Newcastle Polytechnic.
In 1992, he arrived on Ibiza with a bicycle and, just a year later, decided to settle here permanently.
His journey began with long walks through rural Ibiza alongside architect Rolph Blakstad and members of the TEHP research group, who study the traditional architecture of the Pityusic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera).
In 1997, Martin completed an in-depth study of Ibizan architecture and the ancient structure of local buildings — and he hasn’t stopped since.
In 2000, he founded Barbary Press, where he writes, translates, edits, and publishes books about the island’s culture. His portfolio includes nine popular titles, featuring vintage photography albums, travel stories, archaeology, architecture, history, local birds, early tourism, and even a beautifully illustrated children’s tale.
Over the decades, Martin has authored nearly 200 articles on Ibiza’s history, culture, and people for books, magazines, encyclopedias, and websites such as Enciclopèdia d’Eivissa i Formentera, Arquitectura y espacio rural en Ibiza, IbizaNOW, Ibicasa, Pacha magazine, and Liveibiza.com.
In recent years, he has also recorded dozens of lectures and podcasts on the island’s Jewish history, the mysterious goddess Tanit, Ibiza’s irrigation systems, architectural phenomena, and myths surrounding local legends like Elmyr de Hory.
Today, Martin is more than just a historian — he is a living encyclopedia, a storyteller, and a cultural bridge connecting Ibiza’s past and present. And on this journey, he will be your trusted guide.