Hallie Rubenhold was born in Los Angeles to a British father and an American mother. After studying at the University of Massachusetts she undertook postgraduate studies in history and history of art at the University of Leeds. She has worked as a university lecturer and as a curator for the National Portrait Gallery in London and is the author of the acclaimed study of Georgian low-life, The Covent Garden Ladies. She lives in London with her husband and acts as an historical expert for television, both behind and in front of the camera, including acting as advisor in the Channel 4 series 'City of Vice'. www.hallierubenhold.com.