Eleanor Herman Books in Order

Eleanor Herman examines five centuries of royal mistresses and their relationships with European monarchs. Through private correspondence and court records, she explores the companionship, political influence, rewards, and dangers surrounding women whose power depended on royal favor.

This history explores the lovers and private lives of European queens across nine centuries. Herman examines how dynastic marriages, court factions, and struggles over money and authority shaped affairs that could lead to influence, imprisonment, or death.

The murder of a cardinal's nephew in Renaissance Rome draws a beautiful widow and a powerful baron into a web of suspicion. When the cardinal becomes pope, his pursuit of vengeance exposes the ambition and rivalries behind the killing.

Sixteen-year-old Alexander of Macedon approaches his destiny amid court intrigue and dangerous magic. An aspiring assassin, jealous rivals, and a Persian princess seeking forbidden powers become entangled in a struggle that reimagines the future conqueror's early life.

An ambitious princess covets magic and a throne, while an oracle longs to escape her prophetic gift. Their lives intersect with a young priestess torn between duty and love as the gods determine who will bear a world-changing child.

As Alexander struggles to become Macedon's ruler, friends and rivals pursue dangerous missions across the ancient world. A concealed prophecy, attempts to destroy blood magic, and a captive princess's search for supernatural allies threaten to reshape the kingdom.

Queen Laila disposes ruthlessly of unsuitable suitors until two brothers with contrasting magical powers capture her attention. Her pursuit of power becomes dangerous when their rivalry threatens to destroy her kingdom, forcing her to decide where her loyalties lie.

A malign influence clouds Alexander's mind as the Spirit Eaters threaten Macedon and Persia. Ancient civilizations and a weapon capable of killing a god emerge, leaving the kingdom's survival dependent on a prince whose allies may no longer be trustworthy.

Alexander faces a final prophecy as enemies and the deadly Spirit Eaters converge on Macedon. Former adversaries must form alliances, rulers confront their destinies, and his companions make choices that will determine whether humanity survives.

Eleanor Herman explores poison and the fear of poisoning in European courts, from deliberate murder to dangerous cosmetics and medical treatments. Archival accounts and forensic research reveal how rulers' attempts to preserve health often exposed them to new hazards.

Eleanor Herman examines the intimate lives and sexual scandals of American presidents and other influential political figures. She considers how ambition, power, public expectations, and changing attitudes toward infidelity shape both leaders' behavior and voters' responses.

Tracing three thousand years of attacks on powerful women, Eleanor Herman examines recurring accusations about ambition, appearance, sexuality, and character. Examples from ancient rulers to modern politicians reveal patterns of misogyny and the barriers women encounter when seeking authority.