How I Left The National Grid is the third novel by English author Guy Mankowski. Described in media as ‘hotly anticipated’, the book provoked some speculation regarding the inspiration behind protagonist Robert Wardner, a troubled rock star who was speculated to have been inspired by several real-life musicians.

Guy Mankowski is an English writer. He is the great grandson of the author and broadcaster Harry Mortimer Batten. He was educated at St John's College, Portsmouth and Ampleforth College. He read Applied Psychology at Durham University and gained a Masters in Psychology at Newcastle University. He then trained as a psychologist at The Royal Hospital in London. Mankowski was the lead singer of the band Alba Nova.