Eleanor Herman brings a rare combination of scholarly research and witty, colorful storytelling to history. She believes that real-life events are inherently fascinating and require no embellishment, preferring to illuminate the human experiences behind historical moments. Her engaging prose makes complex subjects accessible and enjoyable for readers. Herman's work is recognized for its ability to transform intense research into vivid narratives that capture the essence of the past.
In "Blood of Gods and Royals," war, forbidden romance, and ancient magic threaten Macedon. Prince Alexander struggles between leadership and tyranny after his first battle. Hephaestion hides a prophecy while on a mission with Katerina. Warrior Jacob seeks to destroy Blood Magics, and captive princess Zofia faces secrets of her captor.
The story of poison is the story of power... The Royal Art of Poison is a hugely entertaining work of popular history that traces the use of poison as a political - and cosmetic - tool in the royal courts of Western Europe from the Middle Ages to the Kremlin today.
Born without a dowry, nearly forced into a convent, and later married off to a man she didn't love, Olimpia Maidalchini vowed never to be poor, powerless, or beholden to any man again. Instead, using her wits, Olimpia became the unofficial ruler of the most powerful institution in the world: the Roman Catholic Church. The Church firmly states that women must be excluded from church leadership positions—but for more than a decade in the seventeenth century, Olimpia ran the Vatican. As sister-in-law and reputed mistress of the indecisive Pope Innocent X, she appointed cardinals, negotiated with foreign ambassadors, and helped herself to a heaping portion of the Papal States' treasury. In Mistress of the Vatican, New York Times bestselling author Eleanor Herman brings to life not only an extraordinary woman lost in history but an entire civilization in all its greatness . . . and ignominy. This is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time.
Traces the history of poison in centuries of royal courts, from the intentional poisonings to the unintentional side effects of commonly used makeup and medications.
In this follow-up to her bestselling work, Eleanor Herman delves into the intriguing lives of queens, revealing the hidden truths behind their opulent exteriors. Through meticulous research, she uncovers the romantic entanglements and scandals that marked the reigns of some of history's most famous female rulers. While these queens lived in luxury, adorned in fine gowns and jewels, many were trapped in unhappy marriages to unsuitable husbands—ranging from sadistic to incompetent. To seek happiness, they often engaged in love affairs amidst a court filled with powerful men. Notable figures include Anne Boleyn, who flirted with courtiers, and Catherine Howard, who was executed alongside her. Catherine the Great took drastic measures against her husband to rule Russia with a series of young lovers, while Marie Antoinette found solace in her relationship with Axel Fersen during turbulent times. Empress Alexandra’s connection with Rasputin contributed to the upheaval of the Russian revolution, and Princess Diana’s numerous affairs ultimately led to her tragic demise. The consequences of these affairs varied widely, from disgrace to political power shifts, often influenced by the dynamics of power, wealth, and rivalry. Ultimately, it was the political implications of their actions—not just the romantic escapades—that determined the queens' fates, showcasing the complex interplay between love and politics in royal life.
The narrative delves into the historical treatment of powerful women, examining the pervasive misogyny they faced from ancient times to modern figures like Kamala Harris. Through a captivating lens, it highlights notable examples, including Cleopatra, showcasing how societal attitudes towards female authority have evolved yet often remained hostile. Eleanor Herman's exploration combines engaging storytelling with critical insights into the challenges women in power have encountered throughout history.
While Prince Alexander succumbs to the evil influence of Smoke Blood magic, his betrothed travels from afar to unite their kingdoms against the darkness threatening them.
Focusing on the captivating sexual lives of renowned female monarchs, this book delves into the intimate stories of figures like Catherine the Great, known for her scandalous escapades, Marie Antoinette, whose romantic choices were often misguided, and Queen Victoria, who upheld a public image of virtue. Through these narratives, it uncovers the complexities of power, desire, and the personal lives of women who shaped history.
The epic scope of "Outlander" meets the shocking twists of HBO's "Game of Thrones" in the riveting conclusion to Herman's "New York Times"-bestselling Blood of Gods and Royals series.
In this fascinating work of popular history, the New York Times bestselling author of Sex with Kings and The Royal Art of Poison uncovers the bedroom secrets of American presidents and explores the surprising ways voters have reacted to their leaders' sex scandals. While Americans have a reputation for being strait-laced, many of the nation's leaders have been anything but puritanical. Alexander Hamilton had a steamy affair with a blackmailing prostitute. John F. Kennedy swam nude with female staff in the White House swimming pool. Is it possible the qualities needed to run for president--narcissism, a thirst for power, a desire for importance--go hand in hand with a tendency to sexual misdoing? In this entertaining and eye-opening book, Eleanor Herman revisits some of the sex scandals that have rocked the nation's capital and shocked the public, while asking the provocative questions: does rampant adultery show a lack of character or the stamina needed to run the country? Or perhaps both? While Americans have judged their leaders' affairs harshly compared to other nations, did they mostly just hate being lied to? And do they now clearly care more about issues other than a politician's sex life? What is sex like with the most powerful man in the world? Is it better than with your average Joe? And when America finally elects a female president, will she, too, have sexual escapades in the Oval Office? --New York Times
