Michael Faraday made important experimental discoveries, such as the principles behind the electric motor, transformer and dynamo, and he introduced novel and insightful scientific theories, such as field theory. He was also a communicator of science. The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, which are now seen on television by millions of people each year, were founded by Faraday. This short biography follows Faraday’s lead since it aims to show, in non-technical language, how one major scientist lived and worked. It is a contribution to the public understanding of science and also to the bicentanary celebrations of Faraday’s birth.