Fran Beauman

Francesca Beauman (born 12 April 1977) is a writer, historian, and television presenter living in both London, England, and Los Angeles, California. Education Beauman grew up in Hampstead, London, and studied at the University of Cambridge, graduating with a first class degree in history. She wrote her dissertation on the history of the pineapple. Career While at Cambridge, Beauman formed a comedy act with Ania Dykczak. They went on to host a number of British television shows, including Ania, Fran and a Kettle of Fish (Channel 5, 2000), Show Me The Funny (Channel 4, 2002), Bring It On (BBC One, 2003–2004) and Heroes of History (Channel 5, 2005). Beauman was a contributor to My Famous Family and Britain's Best on UKTV History and also appeared as a guest panelist on Quote Unquote and Museum of Curiosity on BBC Radio 4. Beauman is also a writer and historian. She is the author of the following books: The Literary Almanac: A Year of Seasonal Reading (2021) Matrimony, Inc.: From Personal Ads to Swiping Right, a Story of America Looking for Love (2020) How To Wear White: A Pocketbook for the Bride-to-Be (2013) How To Crack An Egg With One Hand: A Pocketbook for the New Mother (2011) Shapely Ankle Preferr'd: A History of Lonely Hearts Ads, 1695–2010 (2011). She is the leading expert on the history of Lonely Hearts ads, also known as personals. The Woman's Book (2007) The Pineapple: King of Fruits (2005). She is the leading expert on the history of the pineapple.