Sex with Kings

Sex with Kings – Eleanor Herman

For centuries, kings took mistresses, and some of these women became among the most influential figures at court. In Sex with Kings: 500 Years of Adultery, Power, Rivalry, and Revenge, historian Eleanor Herman tells the stories of the royal mistresses of Europe, from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.

Herman explores the lives of women such as Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of Henry II of France; Madame de Pompadour and Madame du Barry, the famous favorites of Louis XV; Nell Gwyn, the actress who captivated Charles II of England; and Alice Keppel, the companion of Edward VII. She describes how these women gained the attention of kings, how they wielded power and influence over politics, art and fashion, and how they navigated the dangerous rivalries and intrigues of court life.

The book also examines the realities behind the glamour. Royal mistresses often faced hostility from queens, courtiers and the public, lived with the constant fear of being replaced, and frequently met difficult ends once they fell out of favor. Herman considers the role of royal marriages, which were usually arranged for political reasons, and the social and cultural forces that made the position of mistress an accepted part of royal life.

Written in a lively, witty and engaging style, the book combines historical research with colorful anecdotes and gossip from centuries past.

Entertaining and informative, Sex with Kings is an enjoyable read for fans of royal history, biography and the human stories behind the courts of Europe. It deals with adult themes and is intended for adult readers.