Reay Tannahill was born and brought up in Scotland. After a varied career as a probation officer, copywriter, historical researcher and graphic designer she was asked by the Folio Society to write an illustrated study of Regency England . There followed a number of illustrated books culminating in the bestselling FOOD IN HISTORY and SEX IN HISTORY ( translated into 11 languages). She then turned to writing historical fiction and A DARK AND DISTANT SHORE was an instant bestseller.