Paula Byrne was born in Birkenhead and has a PhD from the University of Liverpool, where she is a Research Fellow in English Literature. Her first book, 'Jane Austen and the Theatre', was short-listed for the Theatre Book Prize. A regular contributor to the 'Times Literary Supplement', she lives in Warwickshire with her two young children and her husband, the critic and biographer Jonathan Bate.

‘Enthralling and perceptive…A fine biographer has conjured up a dazzling personality and brought her, laughing, back to life.’ Sunday Times‘Mary Robinson, scandalous darling of the 18th-century stage and letters, is given a welcome rebirth. A full-scale literary biography…a fitting tribute to her.’ Observer‘Robinson’s is a life that bears the retelling. She cuts a figure in the history of celebrity culture and in literary history. Paula Byrne’s full-scale biography is cholarly, lively and important.’ Daily Telegraph‘…a superbly researched and narrated life of a woman whose capacity for self-transformation, when combined with beauty, talent, wit and passion suggest that she may be the most interesting of all.’ Miranda Seymour, Sunday TimesPraise for ‘Jane Austen and the Theatre’:‘This scholarly, perceptive book leaves you wanting more from the same author.’ Loraine Fletcher, Independent