Biography

Being unfamiliar with an author, I try to find out all I can about their background in order to understand 'where they're coming from'. Can't find anything that gives info on life experience ( timeframe?; circumstances?; academic traing?; vocational experience?) I need to understand the source of, basis of; even philosphy of an author to properly digest their thoughts and ideas. I'm not intersted in doing a study of the life of Robert O. Becker, just the necessary background to give context to his writing.
Appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks