This chapter provides context to Arthur Cecil Pigou's life and times, intellectual development, and scholarly contributions. This biographical narrative draws on and complements previous studies that broadly address aspects of Pigou's life and his early contributions to knowledge. Biographical studies of Pigou are constrained by the lack of surviving personal papers and correspondence. With available records on his life fragmented, a comprehensive account of his life is not attempted. Rather, a chronological sequence of Pigou's professional life is presented, which is complemented by a thematically arranged presentation of aspects of his personal life. There is, in particular, a focus on his family and youth, scholarly activities and contributions, approach to work and leadership at Cambridge, contributions to public service, and aspects of his life that are relevant to the development of his ideas. The latter includes an account of his friendships and connections and the impact of his wartime activities.