Catherine Hewitt

About the Author

Catherine Hewitt is an acclaimed historian and author whose work illuminates the lives of extraordinary women in 19th-century Europe. With a background in French literature and history, she brings meticulous research and vivid storytelling to her narratives, uncovering the hidden stories of figures who shaped their eras. Her debut book, The Mistress of Paris: The 19th-Century Courtesan Who Built an Empire on a Secret, explores the enigmatic life of Comtesse Valtesse de La Bigne, a former courtesan who rose from humble beginnings to become a symbol of Parisian glamour and influence. Hewitt's writing delves into themes of ambition, reinvention, and societal constraints, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the underbelly of Belle Époque society. She lives in Oxford, where she continues to research and write about women's untold histories.