Milton Daniel Beacher was born in the Brighton Beach section of Brooklyn, New York in 1912. Soon after graduating from George Washington University, the U.S. Public Health Service sent the 25 year-old doctor to Alcatraz Island.  He served as a medical officer for one year. Beacher later returned to Brooklyn and established a family medical practice. Some years later, he became certified in dermatology and psychiatry. In addition to being a gifted physician, Beacher was a talented artist, woodworker, and inventor. He painted, practiced psychiatry, and created fantastic things until his death in 1993.

Pelican Island Publishing was established by Dianne Beacher Perfit in 2001.  It was formed to publish, distribute and promote her father's book, which is now in its third printing!

Dianne has been writing and editing technical training courses and computer software manuals for over 15 years. She periodically writes newspaper articles and performs freelance creative writing services for businesses and her community. Perfit earned a B.S. in Business Management and English from Rutgers University and has credits towards an M. A. in Corporate Communications. Perfit is an avid gardener, hiker, and adventure traveler. She is also an eBay PowerSeller and Trading Assistant.