The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman

 November 18, 2020

The Royal Art of Poison:  Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman

For centuries, royal families have lived in fear of poison more than any other weapon.  It was relatively easy for a disgruntled relative or courtier to slip a little something-something into the royal goblet or gravy boat.  Kings, queens, and their main advisors relied on food tasters and questionable antidotes (deer gallstones, anyone?) to hopefully save them from the common poisons of the day.

But a good number of suspicious deaths were more likely the result of dirty living conditions, poor hygiene, cosmetics made from lead and human feces, and the medical practices of the time.  This is a very entertaining and readable collection of the follies of past centuries - it will make you happy to be living in the 21st century.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC.

Sex with Presidents by Eleanor Herman

October 6, 2020

Sex with Presidents:  the Ins and Outs of Love and Lust in the White House by Eleanor Herman

Oh my.  The men that the American people have elected president, and those who have sought this high office.  It's surprising some of the men who have been sex magnets for women - who would have thought that women would be throwing themselves at chain-smoking 5-pack-a-day Lyndon Johnson?

Best presidential lover:  Bill Clinton.  He always tried to satisfy his (many) sexual partners and give them a good experience.

Worst presidential lovers:  it's a tie between Kennedy and Trump (there are a number of other parallels between the two).  One actress noted that her sexual encounter with JFK was "a memorable minute."

Full of trivia about a select collection of presidents and First Ladies, this is a light and entertaining read to get your mind off the pandemic.  Don't feel too sorry for some of those First Ladies:  most of them knew what they were getting when they married their husbands (some knew and schemed to marry them anyway), and some First Ladies gave as good as they got.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in return for a review.