W. R. H. (William Rutherford Hayes) Trowbridge

Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, in 1866, Trowbridge was the son of American parents and graduated from Yale in 1887. Early in his career he worked in the West Indies, including in banking, before settling in London, where he built his literary career.

He became known for lively historical and biographical writing, often choosing colorful subjects from European history. His books include Court Beauties of Old Whitehall, Queen Alexandra, The Sisters of Napoleon, Mirabeau, the Demi-God, and Cagliostro, showing his interest in royalty, scandal, and strong personalities from the past.

Trowbridge also wrote fiction and sketches connected with Caribbean life, including Gossip of the Caribbees. He died in London in 1938, leaving behind a body of work that reflects both his transatlantic background and his flair for turning history into an engaging read.