Regency London was a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city, aswirl in silks, seduction and scandal, as well as the intrigue of the Napoleonic Wars. The aristocracy danced until dawn in the glittering mansions of Mayfair while in the slums of Southwark and St. Giles there were far more dangerous games afoot in the gaming hells and brothels. So it seems only natural that I chose to set The Scarlet Spy in such a facinating place. Here are a few old prints to help readers picture what the city looked liked during the early 1800s.