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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Royalty. Magic. Love. Betrayal. It's in Their Blood. Alexander, Macedon's sixteen-year-old heir, is on the brink of discovering his fated role in conquering the known world. Katerina must navigate the dark secrets of court life while keeping hidden her own mission: kill the queen. Jacob will go to unthinkable lengths to win Katerina, even if it means having to compete with Hephaestion, a murderer sheltered by the prince. And far across the sea, Zofia, a Persian princess, seeks the deadly Spirit Eaters to alter her destiny.
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.
In a world where gods ignore human suffering, sixteen-year-old Alexander of Macedon is destined to conquer but is distracted by Katerina, who hides her mission to kill the queen. Jacob competes for Katerina's love, while Persian princess Zofia seeks to change her fate. This fantasy intertwines with real history, reimagining Alexander the Great.
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.
