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Historical Heartthrobs
This book compiles photos and life stories of fifty of the sexiest men and women from history and asks the essential question: Would you really want to date them? Some are artists, some are scientists, and many are political or military leaders, but all have had a lasting impact on human life - and a sizable impact on their admirers as well. Each entry describes the period in which the heartthrob lived and includes essential stats, hilarious sidebars, and, of course, a “crushability” ranking: a measurement of how crush-worthy these people really are, based on their relative levels of heroism (or villainy).
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
3 people are currently reading
889 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Murphy
5 books29 followersBorn and raised among the sprawling cornfields of rural Pennsylvania, Kelly Murphy now writes from her child-sized apartment in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Her articles have appeared in Brokelyn, Brooklyn Based, Chic Today, NCTE’s The Council Chronicle, and various other publications. Kelly graduated from Penn State with a degree in English and currently works in publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
September 30, 2013
Coming January 2014 from Zest Books.
Never have I had so much quick-fire knowledge thrown at me about 50 very different (and mostly, by now, dead) people, and still chuckled my way through it. Because it was amusing. And even if the written humour isn't your taste, all the little clip art-like pictures related to the text ought to make even the grumpiest cat smile. Some of them are rather witty indeed.
To get down to the facts, each individual among the 50 heartthrobs get the exactly same treatment: Life Story, The Story of Their Sex Life, Why They Matter, Best Feature and Heat Factor – on a scale from one to five. Additionally, all get a blurb with quotes either by them or about them.
Each little headline is followed by a concise yet thorough re-telling of the individual's life in relation to said headline – it's tidy, it's entertaining and it's rather educational, if not for anything else, then to brush up one's knowledge on various historical figures.
Never have I had so much quick-fire knowledge thrown at me about 50 very different (and mostly, by now, dead) people, and still chuckled my way through it. Because it was amusing. And even if the written humour isn't your taste, all the little clip art-like pictures related to the text ought to make even the grumpiest cat smile. Some of them are rather witty indeed.
To get down to the facts, each individual among the 50 heartthrobs get the exactly same treatment: Life Story, The Story of Their Sex Life, Why They Matter, Best Feature and Heat Factor – on a scale from one to five. Additionally, all get a blurb with quotes either by them or about them.
Each little headline is followed by a concise yet thorough re-telling of the individual's life in relation to said headline – it's tidy, it's entertaining and it's rather educational, if not for anything else, then to brush up one's knowledge on various historical figures.
February 25, 2014
I used to work with grade 8 students who had to dress up as a historical figure and give a report of his/her life and influence. No surprise, every one of them was concerned with choosing someone good looking rather than someone of lasting importance. This book hits the mark of introducing some lesser known characters into the mix, and by suggesting that a person’s outside beauty can be magnified or diminished by what’s on the inside - personal beliefs and achievements. In the book, this is represented by a “heat factor” scale of 1 to 5.
I don’t think any two historians would come up with the exact same list of 50 influential heartthrobs, so I’m not surprised to finish this book wondering why my personal choice was left out (FYI, it’s Wallis Simpson). That said, this is a pretty well curated collection of historical hotties. It is clear the authors tried to represent a wide variety of ethnicities and cultural examples of eye candy. The list includes a number of African-Americans, Latin Americans, Middle Easterners, a Native American and a Pacific Islander, in addition to the white European colonialist types that normally dominate the history books. The list also includes three ladies and a man who purportedly had affairs with both sexes. The areas of influence of the heartthrobs range from politics, art, sport, literature, civil rights, feminism, science, and many are pioneers in their fields.
It’s a good start, but unfortunately, the book doesn’t go far enough to counteract historical biases. The omission of Africans and Asians perpetuates negative stereotypes about political influence and beauty (respectively). Bruce Lee is the only Asian American listed, and he’s only given a 4 out of 5 rating. I’m pretty sure if you cut Bruce Lee, he bleeds hot sauce. Leaving out Oscar Wilde is another egregious lapse in diversity. Strangely, the author chose to present some 1-star folks instead – those who are physically beautiful but morally bankrupt. What kind of message does it send to profile gangsters, assassins, and Nazi collaborators over stunning leaders like Soong Ching Ling or Nelson Mandela?
Another annoying quirk is that the author occasionally puts history into a modern pop culture context, like mentioning that Sylvia Plath “rocked the Zooey Deschanel bangs way before Zooey was even born,” and that Benazir Bhutto “baked cakes of Cake Boss quality.” The attempt at humor actually detracts and dumbs down these fascinating lives.
Despite my nitpicking, overall this book is pretty enjoyable. The bite-sized format of these bios is just enough to pick up for a few minutes, get some background info and trivia, and pique a student’s interest for further study. I was glad to see the Further Reading section contains some of my other favorite books in this genre – the “Lives of the… (What Their Neighbors Thought)” series by Kathleen Krull, and “Secret Lives of Great…” series from Quirk Books.
I don’t think any two historians would come up with the exact same list of 50 influential heartthrobs, so I’m not surprised to finish this book wondering why my personal choice was left out (FYI, it’s Wallis Simpson). That said, this is a pretty well curated collection of historical hotties. It is clear the authors tried to represent a wide variety of ethnicities and cultural examples of eye candy. The list includes a number of African-Americans, Latin Americans, Middle Easterners, a Native American and a Pacific Islander, in addition to the white European colonialist types that normally dominate the history books. The list also includes three ladies and a man who purportedly had affairs with both sexes. The areas of influence of the heartthrobs range from politics, art, sport, literature, civil rights, feminism, science, and many are pioneers in their fields.
It’s a good start, but unfortunately, the book doesn’t go far enough to counteract historical biases. The omission of Africans and Asians perpetuates negative stereotypes about political influence and beauty (respectively). Bruce Lee is the only Asian American listed, and he’s only given a 4 out of 5 rating. I’m pretty sure if you cut Bruce Lee, he bleeds hot sauce. Leaving out Oscar Wilde is another egregious lapse in diversity. Strangely, the author chose to present some 1-star folks instead – those who are physically beautiful but morally bankrupt. What kind of message does it send to profile gangsters, assassins, and Nazi collaborators over stunning leaders like Soong Ching Ling or Nelson Mandela?
Another annoying quirk is that the author occasionally puts history into a modern pop culture context, like mentioning that Sylvia Plath “rocked the Zooey Deschanel bangs way before Zooey was even born,” and that Benazir Bhutto “baked cakes of Cake Boss quality.” The attempt at humor actually detracts and dumbs down these fascinating lives.
Despite my nitpicking, overall this book is pretty enjoyable. The bite-sized format of these bios is just enough to pick up for a few minutes, get some background info and trivia, and pique a student’s interest for further study. I was glad to see the Further Reading section contains some of my other favorite books in this genre – the “Lives of the… (What Their Neighbors Thought)” series by Kathleen Krull, and “Secret Lives of Great…” series from Quirk Books.
January 31, 2014
HISTORICAL HEARTTHROBS: 50 TIMELESS CRUSHES- FROM CLEOPATRA TO CAMUS by Kelly Murphy with Hallie Fyrd is a timeless Art, Music & Photography/Performing Arts/Historical/Teen & Young Adult that both young and old alike are sure to enjoy. Very concise, informative and packed full of information and stats. From Lord Byron, Ernest Hemingway, Frederick Douglass, to the beautiful Egyptian ruler Cleopatra, Benjamin Franklin, to Wild Bill Hickok and the list goes on and on. It is educational as well as fun, with trivia, quotes, portraits, and personal profiles. A must read for history bluffs, young and old adults alike, and anyone who enjoys historical heartthrobs. A great place for young readers to learn more about history,political and military leaders as well as a few movie stars. Well done indeed!! What an enjoyable read!
Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: NONE
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: NONE
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
January 7, 2014
(Full disclosure: I received a free copy from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.)
A collective biography written for young adults, but adults will enjoy this volume also. Famous historical people from Cleopatra to Benazir Bhutto are included. Each person is featured in a drawing or a photo, along with a short biography consisting of 3 to 4 pages. This includes the Best Feature and the Heat Factor sections. My favorite Heat Factor Description is that of Nikola Tesla. “Nothing is more attractive than a big throbbing brain and a well-parted head of hair…. Sure, he died alone as a germophobic recluse, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t worth loving. So long as you’re cool with long-distance relationships, that is.”
Recommended for public libraries. Also recommended for academic libraries with young adult collections or curriculum materials libraries.
A collective biography written for young adults, but adults will enjoy this volume also. Famous historical people from Cleopatra to Benazir Bhutto are included. Each person is featured in a drawing or a photo, along with a short biography consisting of 3 to 4 pages. This includes the Best Feature and the Heat Factor sections. My favorite Heat Factor Description is that of Nikola Tesla. “Nothing is more attractive than a big throbbing brain and a well-parted head of hair…. Sure, he died alone as a germophobic recluse, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t worth loving. So long as you’re cool with long-distance relationships, that is.”
Recommended for public libraries. Also recommended for academic libraries with young adult collections or curriculum materials libraries.
January 3, 2014
I truly enjoyed this book. I would recommend if for 8th grade and older, but don't discount the interested of adults who enjoy a more personal bent to their history. While including historically accurate and pertinent information about each individual, the format of this book presents it in a new and interesting way. I was always the person in history classes who couldn't remember the year an event happened, but I could tell you the circumstances surrounding so and so's death or the details of famous groups like the Black Hand. This book is exactly the way I like my history, filled with enough personal insight to make it stick in my memory.
January 8, 2014
A witty compilation of historical figures who served as catalysts, whether good or bad, for the world stage. The author includes men and women from all walks of life, even some who you may have forgotten about. Each section has great pictures, a mini biography, quotes, the subject's contributions, and a hotness meter. This work is a good place to start for teens or adults interested in history and/or politics. It's entertaining to say the least.
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October 24, 2013
My YA Books Central review:http://www.yabookscentral.com/yanonfi...
January 3, 2014
Booklist:
"From Benjamin Franklin to Benazir Bhutto, Murphy introduces 50 historical crushes in chronological order. At first glance, the list seems to be a hodgepodge of politicians, authors, aviators, trailblazers, activists, movie stars, entrepreneurs, outlaws, guerrilla fighters, sensationalists, and so on. But similarities come out through the chapters, each of which includes a full-page picture with a vital statistics inset, a one-and-a-half-page “Life Story,” a one-column “Story of His/Her Sex Life,” a brief “Why He/She Matters” column, a “Best Feature” paragraph, a “Heat Factor” statement (including thermometer), and a “Quotables” inset. While the short biographical sketches are informative and interesting, the titillating nature of the sex-life column should have teens tittering. The further reading section includes many similar books that could spark interest in historical scandals. Not a book to be read from beginning to end, but surely a tantalizing start for a beginning researcher."
Publishers Weekly:
"The good thing about falling for a dead person is that they never leave you, as Murphy and Fryd demonstrate in this broad-ranging, tongue-in-cheek guide to the hotties of history. The diverse individuals profiled stand out for their commitment to social causes, artistic and political influence, and sheer audacity. Included are Frida Kahlo (“Even her eyebrows became icons”), Lord Byron (“Style of seduction: Breakin’ hearts”), Harry Houdini, Frederick Douglass, and even a few living people, such as Jane Goodall and Gloria Steinem. The authors candidly explore each individual’s accomplishments (under the heading “Why She/He Matters”), sex lives, reputation, and “Heat Factor” (George Sand’s androgyny, same-sex affairs, and rejection of rigid social mores earn her a “Scandalously hot” rating, while the celibate Nikola Tesla “may have had good looks, but he also only had eyes for science”). Controversial figures (“Hotness doesn’t necessarily equal goodness,” as the introduction quips), such as Nazi sympathizer and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (high cheekbones don’t compensate for brushing elbows with Hitler), receive nuanced examination. With engrossing photos, lively quotations, and witty writing, it’s “the complete package”—just like Nellie Bly."
"From Benjamin Franklin to Benazir Bhutto, Murphy introduces 50 historical crushes in chronological order. At first glance, the list seems to be a hodgepodge of politicians, authors, aviators, trailblazers, activists, movie stars, entrepreneurs, outlaws, guerrilla fighters, sensationalists, and so on. But similarities come out through the chapters, each of which includes a full-page picture with a vital statistics inset, a one-and-a-half-page “Life Story,” a one-column “Story of His/Her Sex Life,” a brief “Why He/She Matters” column, a “Best Feature” paragraph, a “Heat Factor” statement (including thermometer), and a “Quotables” inset. While the short biographical sketches are informative and interesting, the titillating nature of the sex-life column should have teens tittering. The further reading section includes many similar books that could spark interest in historical scandals. Not a book to be read from beginning to end, but surely a tantalizing start for a beginning researcher."
Publishers Weekly:
"The good thing about falling for a dead person is that they never leave you, as Murphy and Fryd demonstrate in this broad-ranging, tongue-in-cheek guide to the hotties of history. The diverse individuals profiled stand out for their commitment to social causes, artistic and political influence, and sheer audacity. Included are Frida Kahlo (“Even her eyebrows became icons”), Lord Byron (“Style of seduction: Breakin’ hearts”), Harry Houdini, Frederick Douglass, and even a few living people, such as Jane Goodall and Gloria Steinem. The authors candidly explore each individual’s accomplishments (under the heading “Why She/He Matters”), sex lives, reputation, and “Heat Factor” (George Sand’s androgyny, same-sex affairs, and rejection of rigid social mores earn her a “Scandalously hot” rating, while the celibate Nikola Tesla “may have had good looks, but he also only had eyes for science”). Controversial figures (“Hotness doesn’t necessarily equal goodness,” as the introduction quips), such as Nazi sympathizer and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl (high cheekbones don’t compensate for brushing elbows with Hitler), receive nuanced examination. With engrossing photos, lively quotations, and witty writing, it’s “the complete package”—just like Nellie Bly."
January 8, 2014
Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes-From Cleopatra to Camus is a collection of fifty historical figures that all offer(ed) something rich to human life, and looked good while doing it. I'm not sure who decided that this book was one that needed penning, but I will say that I learned a lot of interesting historical tidbits from this collection.
Each figure listed is summarized in a bio, information about their sex/relationships, a few fun facts, quotes, a picture, why they're worth knowing, and more. A lot of information was packed into this book in a way that was easy to read and separate. This organization also made it a book good for stopping- you could easily pick up where you left off if you let it sit for awhile.
I really appreciated the diverse spectrum of figures that were represented. Both genders, different races, sexualities, nationalities, and professions were all represented within Historical Heartthrobs. I had heard of most of these figures but not others, so I walked away from this collection having learned some things. From pilots to Nazis to dancers, there is a figure in here for everyone.
This was really easy reading, and I liked the amount of photographs that were included. It helped to hold my attention and get a better sense of what the text was describing.
Historical Heartthrobs is a good book for anyone looking to learn a bit more history in a fun, interesting way. Thank you to Netgalley and Zest Books for my copy. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
Each figure listed is summarized in a bio, information about their sex/relationships, a few fun facts, quotes, a picture, why they're worth knowing, and more. A lot of information was packed into this book in a way that was easy to read and separate. This organization also made it a book good for stopping- you could easily pick up where you left off if you let it sit for awhile.
I really appreciated the diverse spectrum of figures that were represented. Both genders, different races, sexualities, nationalities, and professions were all represented within Historical Heartthrobs. I had heard of most of these figures but not others, so I walked away from this collection having learned some things. From pilots to Nazis to dancers, there is a figure in here for everyone.
This was really easy reading, and I liked the amount of photographs that were included. It helped to hold my attention and get a better sense of what the text was describing.
Historical Heartthrobs is a good book for anyone looking to learn a bit more history in a fun, interesting way. Thank you to Netgalley and Zest Books for my copy. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
March 21, 2014
I received a free (autographed) copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads. FTC guidelines: check!
This book was such an interesting way to present historical figures. In the introduction, the authors talk about how dry history can be and how, even though this book could be considered shallow, it makes the men and women come alive and captures the imagination (which it really does!). This unique perspective is needed because more people know the details about Jennifer Aniston's love life than what the President has been up to lately. We might wish that reality was some other way and that this wasn't true of the majority of the population, but it is. People love to read and learn about the scandalous, the salacious, and the "hot". Historical Heartthrobs brings this in spades but in a tasteful and educational manner.
Each historical figure has a large picture or artistic representation (cameras weren't invented in Cleopatra's time). Then, there's a couple pages about the life of the person, interesting tidbits and side notes in separate frames to flesh out the personality, and a "Heat Factor" scale to measure the relative "hotness". At the end of each section, the authors included quotes by the person or about the person.
History truly comes alive and dances around the page in this book. I think this would be appropriate for young adults and up.
This book was such an interesting way to present historical figures. In the introduction, the authors talk about how dry history can be and how, even though this book could be considered shallow, it makes the men and women come alive and captures the imagination (which it really does!). This unique perspective is needed because more people know the details about Jennifer Aniston's love life than what the President has been up to lately. We might wish that reality was some other way and that this wasn't true of the majority of the population, but it is. People love to read and learn about the scandalous, the salacious, and the "hot". Historical Heartthrobs brings this in spades but in a tasteful and educational manner.
Each historical figure has a large picture or artistic representation (cameras weren't invented in Cleopatra's time). Then, there's a couple pages about the life of the person, interesting tidbits and side notes in separate frames to flesh out the personality, and a "Heat Factor" scale to measure the relative "hotness". At the end of each section, the authors included quotes by the person or about the person.
History truly comes alive and dances around the page in this book. I think this would be appropriate for young adults and up.
February 11, 2014
I want to thank Zest Books for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review! Receiving this book for free has in no way influenced my opinion or review.
Blurb from Goodreads:
This book compiles photos and life stories of 50 of the sexiest men and women from history and asks the essential question: Would you really want to date them? Some are artists, some are scientists, and many are political or military leaders, but all have had a lasting impact on human life—and a sizable impact on their admirers as well. Each entry describes the period in which the heartthrob lived and includes essential stats, hilarious sidebars, and, of course, a “crushability” ranking: a measurement of how crush-worthy these people really are, based on their relative levels of heroism (or villainy).
So, I'm not usually one for non-fiction books. I often don't like to read them. But, when they explore great historical figures in a unique way, my attention gets piqued!
I love how each figure addressed in the book is given a short bio, to introduce you just in case you have no idea who they are (which for the most part would be incomprehensible to me, since these figures are huge in history!). Following the bio, your given information regarding their sex life and why they matter in history. Finally, the book addresses the character's best feature. It was fun to read these facts and learn more and more about these historical figures! And reading the quotes at the end of each chapter gave some great insight into how others pictured these people.
I think my favorites were Nikola Tesla, Harry Houdini and Isadora Duncan! Although each figure really was so interesting to learn about! I love anything about Tesla. I just find his work so extremely intriguing. And he's a scientist, which I happen to find very sexy myself! While I knew much of the information presented, there were facts I didn't know and it made me love him even more. As for Houdini, well, I have always found him fascinating. I love illusions and anything to do with "magic." Reading about him just made me realize what an interesting public figure he really was. Finally, Isadora Duncan, well, I was a dancer growing up, and Duncan was one of my idols. So just seeing her name in the book made me giddy because I had done so much research on her in the past. To see her in this new and different light, presented as a heartthrob at that, made me appreciate her even more!
Of course, I really enjoyed reading about all the figures in the book. I love the layout. Each character is give just a few short pages to identify their contribution to heartthrob history, leaving little time to become bogged down in too much information. And it also allowed me to put the book down and easily pick it back up. Plus, I was able to read through the table of contents easily and identify which figures I wanted to learn about first, flawlessly skipping around in the book without feeling like I had missed anything. And it was nice to see the author chose a very diverse group of people
Finally, I just love the cover of this book. Even if you remove the dust jacket, you still get to see the lovely cover! I believe teens and adults alike will enjoy these easy read that covers a variety of historical figures with great information and a terrific layout!
Blurb from Goodreads:
This book compiles photos and life stories of 50 of the sexiest men and women from history and asks the essential question: Would you really want to date them? Some are artists, some are scientists, and many are political or military leaders, but all have had a lasting impact on human life—and a sizable impact on their admirers as well. Each entry describes the period in which the heartthrob lived and includes essential stats, hilarious sidebars, and, of course, a “crushability” ranking: a measurement of how crush-worthy these people really are, based on their relative levels of heroism (or villainy).
So, I'm not usually one for non-fiction books. I often don't like to read them. But, when they explore great historical figures in a unique way, my attention gets piqued!
I love how each figure addressed in the book is given a short bio, to introduce you just in case you have no idea who they are (which for the most part would be incomprehensible to me, since these figures are huge in history!). Following the bio, your given information regarding their sex life and why they matter in history. Finally, the book addresses the character's best feature. It was fun to read these facts and learn more and more about these historical figures! And reading the quotes at the end of each chapter gave some great insight into how others pictured these people.
I think my favorites were Nikola Tesla, Harry Houdini and Isadora Duncan! Although each figure really was so interesting to learn about! I love anything about Tesla. I just find his work so extremely intriguing. And he's a scientist, which I happen to find very sexy myself! While I knew much of the information presented, there were facts I didn't know and it made me love him even more. As for Houdini, well, I have always found him fascinating. I love illusions and anything to do with "magic." Reading about him just made me realize what an interesting public figure he really was. Finally, Isadora Duncan, well, I was a dancer growing up, and Duncan was one of my idols. So just seeing her name in the book made me giddy because I had done so much research on her in the past. To see her in this new and different light, presented as a heartthrob at that, made me appreciate her even more!
Of course, I really enjoyed reading about all the figures in the book. I love the layout. Each character is give just a few short pages to identify their contribution to heartthrob history, leaving little time to become bogged down in too much information. And it also allowed me to put the book down and easily pick it back up. Plus, I was able to read through the table of contents easily and identify which figures I wanted to learn about first, flawlessly skipping around in the book without feeling like I had missed anything. And it was nice to see the author chose a very diverse group of people
Finally, I just love the cover of this book. Even if you remove the dust jacket, you still get to see the lovely cover! I believe teens and adults alike will enjoy these easy read that covers a variety of historical figures with great information and a terrific layout!
August 13, 2014
What a fun book! Full of (mostly) attractive photos and paintings of historic and modern "heartthrobs", and short sections on their life stories, story of their sex lives, why they matter, best feature, and a "heat factor" (apparently based on their overall combination of factors, but in reality a little vague in how ratings were reached). There were also boxes with several quotations by and/or about the person, and a small box or two with random fun facts.
Despite a clever, if somewhat shallow, and undoubtedly brilliant marketing scheme for the book, I really do feel like I learned a lot by reading this book. Maybe not a lot about each person, but enough to enrich my overall understanding of some periods of world history, and certainly enough to pique my interest in reading further about many of the people. Between the list of people about whom I want to read more, and a fun list of suggested reading at the end of the book, my reading list just expanded a lot. I'm so glad I picked this up on a whim and gave it a chance. I hope many more people will do the same.
example of random fun facts:
Lord Byron kept a menagerie of animals around him throughout most of his life. we're talking tame bears, monkeys, horses, dogs, falcons, etc.
John Wilkes Booth was a radical anti-immigrant libertarian and a successful Shakespearean actor of his time (and surprisingly, startling handsome)--his theater connections helped get him into Ford Theater when he assassinates the president.
CoCo Chanel was basically a high class call girl/ professional mistress and cabaret--that's how she funded the businesses that spawned her huge fashion empire.
If Annie Oakley's famously amazing shooting skills had just failed the time she and her husband performed for Kaiser Wilhelm, European history and any World Wars could have gone a lot differently. Hindsight is 20/20. Like Oakley's eye for shooting, I guess.
Despite a clever, if somewhat shallow, and undoubtedly brilliant marketing scheme for the book, I really do feel like I learned a lot by reading this book. Maybe not a lot about each person, but enough to enrich my overall understanding of some periods of world history, and certainly enough to pique my interest in reading further about many of the people. Between the list of people about whom I want to read more, and a fun list of suggested reading at the end of the book, my reading list just expanded a lot. I'm so glad I picked this up on a whim and gave it a chance. I hope many more people will do the same.
example of random fun facts:
Lord Byron kept a menagerie of animals around him throughout most of his life. we're talking tame bears, monkeys, horses, dogs, falcons, etc.
John Wilkes Booth was a radical anti-immigrant libertarian and a successful Shakespearean actor of his time (and surprisingly, startling handsome)--his theater connections helped get him into Ford Theater when he assassinates the president.
CoCo Chanel was basically a high class call girl/ professional mistress and cabaret--that's how she funded the businesses that spawned her huge fashion empire.
If Annie Oakley's famously amazing shooting skills had just failed the time she and her husband performed for Kaiser Wilhelm, European history and any World Wars could have gone a lot differently. Hindsight is 20/20. Like Oakley's eye for shooting, I guess.
March 18, 2021
I have to admit that when I first saw the title of this book I thought it would be more about romances in history. Probably because of the word crushes. But it turns out they mean crushes we'd have.
On that note, I have no problem admitting that I've had a crush on Cleopatra. And I know we can go on about how over the centuries she's been turned into something else, but this isn't about her.
It's about this book featuring 50 of the sexiest men and women from history. I don't want to get into the people mentioned in this book because, honestly, I wouldn't even know what to say. Other than yeah, some of them were pretty hot. It's what they did to leave a lasting impression that makes them hot, and this book does a perfect job telling not only why these people are known after all this time but about their entire life; including romances.
This isn't your ordinary everyday history book, if you hadn't noticed, it will draw you into the story of a person's life.
It's not a traditional: this was so and so's early years, and this led them to become what they are to us today and this here's a bit of their personal life. It mentions all that but it's made so entertaining you'll forget that it is a history book.
I love history so there was no question when it came to reading this book. I found a few people that I might never had heard of, or maybe had just known their name. It has people I do know but didn't know their story. And it has people that I did know but got to see in a new light.
It made history playful and a lot of fun. If any of my history classes in high school had been like this I might have remembered more.
Great read for anyone with a passing interest in history.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
On that note, I have no problem admitting that I've had a crush on Cleopatra. And I know we can go on about how over the centuries she's been turned into something else, but this isn't about her.
It's about this book featuring 50 of the sexiest men and women from history. I don't want to get into the people mentioned in this book because, honestly, I wouldn't even know what to say. Other than yeah, some of them were pretty hot. It's what they did to leave a lasting impression that makes them hot, and this book does a perfect job telling not only why these people are known after all this time but about their entire life; including romances.
This isn't your ordinary everyday history book, if you hadn't noticed, it will draw you into the story of a person's life.
It's not a traditional: this was so and so's early years, and this led them to become what they are to us today and this here's a bit of their personal life. It mentions all that but it's made so entertaining you'll forget that it is a history book.
I love history so there was no question when it came to reading this book. I found a few people that I might never had heard of, or maybe had just known their name. It has people I do know but didn't know their story. And it has people that I did know but got to see in a new light.
It made history playful and a lot of fun. If any of my history classes in high school had been like this I might have remembered more.
Great read for anyone with a passing interest in history.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2014
Quick, think of a famous heartthrob! Chances are you didn’t think of someone from the past, but a book by Kelly Murphy with Hallie Fryd is hoping to change that. Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes—from Cleopatra to Camus is a fascinating look at some of the people who have intrigued and captivated people throughout time.
Some of the featured heartthrobs are expected—Cleopatra and T. E. Lawrence—while others are totally unexpected, like Benjamin Franklin and Nellie Bly. The people included can be vastly different. The common thread, as we’re told in the introduction, is that “one way or another, the 50 people in this book made other people swoon.”
Author Kelly Murphy conducted lots of research on each heartthrob, and she’s distilled that research into a short biography and photo or painting of each person listed that gives a bit of history and the reason for inclusion on the list. Each bio reads quickly, with pull-out quotes, interesting tidbits, and even a heat factor rating. It all adds up to a lot of fun.
Murphy tells us in the introduction that she wasn’t all that interested in history while she was in school. Her book is sure to catch the attention of history buffs and those, like her, not all that attracted to history. It tells the story behind the story of historical figures and includes popular figures that don’t often make the history books, like athletes, dancers, clothing designers, surfers, scientists, and more. I recommend Historical Heartthrobs for readers aged 14 and up.
The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Some of the featured heartthrobs are expected—Cleopatra and T. E. Lawrence—while others are totally unexpected, like Benjamin Franklin and Nellie Bly. The people included can be vastly different. The common thread, as we’re told in the introduction, is that “one way or another, the 50 people in this book made other people swoon.”
Author Kelly Murphy conducted lots of research on each heartthrob, and she’s distilled that research into a short biography and photo or painting of each person listed that gives a bit of history and the reason for inclusion on the list. Each bio reads quickly, with pull-out quotes, interesting tidbits, and even a heat factor rating. It all adds up to a lot of fun.
Murphy tells us in the introduction that she wasn’t all that interested in history while she was in school. Her book is sure to catch the attention of history buffs and those, like her, not all that attracted to history. It tells the story behind the story of historical figures and includes popular figures that don’t often make the history books, like athletes, dancers, clothing designers, surfers, scientists, and more. I recommend Historical Heartthrobs for readers aged 14 and up.
The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 14, 2018
Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes – From Cleopatra to Camus was written by Kelly Murphy and pays homage to a collection of fifty of the sexiest men and women from history and asks the vital and indispensable question: would you really date them?
Murphy writes these mini-biographies in a straightforward and swoon-worthy manner, without sounding too condescending. Each fifty entries seemed well researched and explore and elevate the person in question and explain why they were considered heartthrobs. Instead of using illustrations Murphy chooses to use photographs for each entry, which is rather a good idea, because it shows how the heartthrob truly looks like.
Some of the entries are artists, scientists, and many are political and military leaders, but all have had a lasting impact on human life and a sizable impart on their admirers as well. I especially liked the hilarious sidebars, the essential stats, and the funniest thing – a crushability ranking, which is a measurement of how crush-worthy these people really are, based on their relative levels of heroism or villainy.
All in all, Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes – From Cleopatra to Camus is a wonderful hilariously written book and a magnificent collection of mini-biographies of heartthrobs from all walks of life and from different parts of the world. It is a good read and reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about these timeless heartthrobs.
Murphy writes these mini-biographies in a straightforward and swoon-worthy manner, without sounding too condescending. Each fifty entries seemed well researched and explore and elevate the person in question and explain why they were considered heartthrobs. Instead of using illustrations Murphy chooses to use photographs for each entry, which is rather a good idea, because it shows how the heartthrob truly looks like.
Some of the entries are artists, scientists, and many are political and military leaders, but all have had a lasting impact on human life and a sizable impart on their admirers as well. I especially liked the hilarious sidebars, the essential stats, and the funniest thing – a crushability ranking, which is a measurement of how crush-worthy these people really are, based on their relative levels of heroism or villainy.
All in all, Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes – From Cleopatra to Camus is a wonderful hilariously written book and a magnificent collection of mini-biographies of heartthrobs from all walks of life and from different parts of the world. It is a good read and reference book for anyone who wants to learn more about these timeless heartthrobs.
May 30, 2015
Obviously one book, no matter how large, small the print, or short the article, cannot contain all of the historical heartthrobs we all might have in mind. And the author does make clear that some of the chosen are not necessarily selected for their physical appearance, but may be determined to be attractive for other attributes. (And that they pretty much are writing about those whose pictures are available, with one exception. Leaving out many we all would consider noteworthy.)
But it is a good portrayal of at least some of the individuals that I think meet the title. The scope is wide. Those selected are from all walks of life. The common thread is definitely individuals who stepped out and did much more than cause others to swoon at their looks or physiques (I am really trying to get in as many words as I can to misspell here!!!)
Had not heard of all of those selected, and could think of a few more I could add. (Sadly this particular book's title prohibited the selection of Brad Pitt as one of the chosen. Perhaps in 50 years or so.)
Anyway, seriously the book was enjoyable. It gave the reader just a snapshot of 50 individuals that, should he/she choose, could be further researched for future reading. It was a fun read while at the same time covering serious background on these individuals.
But it is a good portrayal of at least some of the individuals that I think meet the title. The scope is wide. Those selected are from all walks of life. The common thread is definitely individuals who stepped out and did much more than cause others to swoon at their looks or physiques (I am really trying to get in as many words as I can to misspell here!!!)
Had not heard of all of those selected, and could think of a few more I could add. (Sadly this particular book's title prohibited the selection of Brad Pitt as one of the chosen. Perhaps in 50 years or so.)
Anyway, seriously the book was enjoyable. It gave the reader just a snapshot of 50 individuals that, should he/she choose, could be further researched for future reading. It was a fun read while at the same time covering serious background on these individuals.
February 4, 2014
3.5 stars;
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Historical Heartthrobs is a non-fiction book looking at historical figures and rating their hearttrob-iness*(not a real word*).
It’s a pretty fun way too get to a look at historical figures. There’s lots of pictures and the book provides a “Vital Status” for each figure which is a quick guide to the time frame, who they are, and what they’re famous for and more in-depth information for each person. There’s fun facts and quotes for each historical figure and also a “Heat Factor” scale which is determined by sex appeal, charisma, accomplishments and moral virtue (or lack of).
It’s definitely an interesting way to get your history on. There’s an wide range of historical figures from the really famous (like Cleopatra) to the slightly less, from athletics, to artist, poets, politicians and more. It was a little weird to have more “villainous” historical figures and checking out their “heat factor” (like John Wilkes Booth & Leni Riefenstahlm) though than again, there are bad guys in history right?
{*Thank to Zest Books for the ARC in exchange for the an honest review. Original review at Book Munchies
ENTER HERE TO WIN A SIGNED COPY & COOL SWAG! (US/CAN)
...............
Historical Heartthrobs is a non-fiction book looking at historical figures and rating their hearttrob-iness*(not a real word*).
It’s a pretty fun way too get to a look at historical figures. There’s lots of pictures and the book provides a “Vital Status” for each figure which is a quick guide to the time frame, who they are, and what they’re famous for and more in-depth information for each person. There’s fun facts and quotes for each historical figure and also a “Heat Factor” scale which is determined by sex appeal, charisma, accomplishments and moral virtue (or lack of).
It’s definitely an interesting way to get your history on. There’s an wide range of historical figures from the really famous (like Cleopatra) to the slightly less, from athletics, to artist, poets, politicians and more. It was a little weird to have more “villainous” historical figures and checking out their “heat factor” (like John Wilkes Booth & Leni Riefenstahlm) though than again, there are bad guys in history right?
{*Thank to Zest Books for the ARC in exchange for the an honest review. Original review at Book Munchies
January 8, 2014
I requested this book from Netgalley, mostly out of curiosity, and I'm glad that I did. It's really easy to want to be offended by this book; to look at it as reducing or objectifying important figures. But I would argue it uses the humor created through the dissonance of placing historical figures into a modern day, US Weekly type layout, using modern vernacular, to make history fun and engaging. Yes, there were pictures and silly quips relating to looks but just as often as not, it made the point that appearances aren't everything and these people, for good or bad, were important to the history of the world. By framing it in a light-hearted way, I really do think it will be more accessible to young adults and though no one is covered in any sort of depth, there is enough of a teaser there to interest young adults in seeking out more information.
Because the figures' sex lives (just as easily called their romantic lives for most figures) are brought up -it's its own category of how the figures are ultimately rated- I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 8th grade/13 years old.
Because the figures' sex lives (just as easily called their romantic lives for most figures) are brought up -it's its own category of how the figures are ultimately rated- I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 8th grade/13 years old.
May 18, 2015
Shallow? Sure. Silly? Li'l bit. Scholarly? Not hardly.
Fun? You betcha.
This book is not a serious historical look at historical figures. It doesn't claim to be. It's an unapologetically fluffy beach read that still manages to make you learn a thing or two, or fifty, about some of the movers and shakers of history. But instead of just hashing and rehashing the already well-known facts of these celebrities' lives and accomplishments, the book takes an irreverent yet good-natured look at their physical selves and their romantic lives. A huge range of people are profiled, from all races, orientations, time periods, walks of life and features. There is no one standard of beauty, never has been, and the book makes that quite clear.
Nor has beauty any correlation with morality or the famed "inner beauty." Murphy was definitely courting controversy when she included Leni Riefenstahl and Bugsy Siegel as "heartthrobs," but their inclusion proves that "pretty is as pretty does" just ain't that simple.
I wouldn't have minded the book being twice as long, and if she does a sequel I want to read it.
Fun? You betcha.
This book is not a serious historical look at historical figures. It doesn't claim to be. It's an unapologetically fluffy beach read that still manages to make you learn a thing or two, or fifty, about some of the movers and shakers of history. But instead of just hashing and rehashing the already well-known facts of these celebrities' lives and accomplishments, the book takes an irreverent yet good-natured look at their physical selves and their romantic lives. A huge range of people are profiled, from all races, orientations, time periods, walks of life and features. There is no one standard of beauty, never has been, and the book makes that quite clear.
Nor has beauty any correlation with morality or the famed "inner beauty." Murphy was definitely courting controversy when she included Leni Riefenstahl and Bugsy Siegel as "heartthrobs," but their inclusion proves that "pretty is as pretty does" just ain't that simple.
I wouldn't have minded the book being twice as long, and if she does a sequel I want to read it.
February 23, 2014
Originally posted @ Book Whales
Every time I read a book fro Zest Books... I know completely that it will be a unique experience.
Historical Heartthrobs sums up famous people with appeal and great influence. From Cleopatra to Che Guevara. You get to know famous people in a different way which makes this book so interesting. Not only is this a picture book but It has facts and filled with humorous FYI. Topics from their sex life, heat factor and quotables, there is not a drop of boredom in this book.
Also, I like how educational it is; it has facts and amazing portraits .
If you love history and looking for a fun read this Valentines Day... then buy this book :D
I give this book 4 Whales.
Every time I read a book fro Zest Books... I know completely that it will be a unique experience.
Historical Heartthrobs sums up famous people with appeal and great influence. From Cleopatra to Che Guevara. You get to know famous people in a different way which makes this book so interesting. Not only is this a picture book but It has facts and filled with humorous FYI. Topics from their sex life, heat factor and quotables, there is not a drop of boredom in this book.
Also, I like how educational it is; it has facts and amazing portraits .
If you love history and looking for a fun read this Valentines Day... then buy this book :D
I give this book 4 Whales.
April 7, 2015
This biographical compilation offers insight into more than just the black and white of well-known historical figures--it includes pictures, quotes, and personal stories right down to their best features and their sex life. Aside from analyzing and rating the appeal of each person in a down-to-earth and easily navigable way, it also delves into the impact that each individual made on society then and today.
I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of boredom I experienced while reading this book. It takes familiar faces that are usually only shown in a very objective and dull light and makes them personal, real, and vivacious. I thought this was a hilarious book, not to mention extremely thorough. I loved how effortless it made learning, and the way that it made me see historical figures as they should be seen: as real human beings. It contains sexual details of the individuals’ lives, including affairs, promiscuity, and homosexuality (albeit in a brief manner).
February 26, 2015
A fun, intriguing way to present important people throughout history! I think this book would be great as an introduction to history and also for people who want to learn a little but have fun at the same time. The lighthearted approach is a great way for people to realise that history can be entertaining and that all the people we read about had interesting and rocky lives just like the rest of us!
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a light read but to learn something at the same time. I loved the variety presented and the fact that it wasn't just recent history but went back through time as well, covering everything from well knowns to people who may have been otherwise overlooked,
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a light read but to learn something at the same time. I loved the variety presented and the fact that it wasn't just recent history but went back through time as well, covering everything from well knowns to people who may have been otherwise overlooked,
June 2, 2014
A collective biography (3 pages each) on 50 of history's sexiest people - and why you would or would not want to date them. It's an interesting approach to history, and I like her explanation that attraction/charisma/looks play a big part in their ability to influence. Each person gets a summary of their life in general, their love life, their best feature, heat factor and quotes. I didn't really agree with all of them (Castro??) but I really enjoyed the mix of people included (Frida Kahlo, Nikola Tesla, WEB DuBois, Roberto Clemente, Carmen Miranda, TE Lawrence, Jim Thorpe, Bessie Coleman, etc).
June 13, 2014
Buddy read with Erica!
This was SUCH a fun book, and I loved reading it. The 50 people chosen were surprising - some were definitely not what I would consider "heartthrobs" and some were definitely attractive but terrible people - but they were all interesting. I actually didn't know a lot of the people chosen, which I think says a lot about our public school system and what they teach us as kids.
This included a bibliography in the back where we can learn more about these historical figures and I can't wait to dive into those. I'm really itching to learn more about the people I knew nothing about before this book!
This was SUCH a fun book, and I loved reading it. The 50 people chosen were surprising - some were definitely not what I would consider "heartthrobs" and some were definitely attractive but terrible people - but they were all interesting. I actually didn't know a lot of the people chosen, which I think says a lot about our public school system and what they teach us as kids.
This included a bibliography in the back where we can learn more about these historical figures and I can't wait to dive into those. I'm really itching to learn more about the people I knew nothing about before this book!
January 30, 2014
When I was first asked to review Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes from Cleopatra to Camus I have to admit I jumped at the chance. My last experience reviewing a book from Zest Books was so much fun and I had a feeling that one would be too. And I was right! This book is cute and fun and it would make the perfect gift for someone to help introduce them to some of the most interesting and potentially sexiest figures in history.
Read Full Review Here
Read Full Review Here
February 17, 2014
This is a light history book with short biographies of some better known characters from history (like Amelia Earhart and Cleopatra) and some lesser known (like Ataturk and Kahanamoku). Each historical character is given a hotness rating - which is kind of amusing! If you already know something about a particular person, then you won't learn too much extra about them, but it might inspire you to learn more about the lesser known ones.
I received a free copy of this through a Goodreads giveaway! Yay!
I received a free copy of this through a Goodreads giveaway! Yay!
May 23, 2014
This was a super cute and informative book! The people selected are unexpected and extremely interesting. A lot of these people I would not have known about or considered, most of which were female. I blame the selection process in what is taught in history through school. Anyway- Murphy and Fryd break down each person by a mini overview of their lives, a paragraph on their love life, why they matter to history and people today, and how they are attractive. There is even a thermometer to gauge their hotness!
January 28, 2015
I really liked the format of this book. It's appealing and easy to read. There is enough information to be informative, but not so much that it gets bogged down. The overall "heat rating" that factors in sex appeal for each person was kind of weird and some of these people I didn't care to read about. Overall though, it was interesting.
March 22, 2015
Interesting. On the one hand, I'm not entirely enamored with the idea of ranking historical figures on 'hotness', but on the other hand, I like that many of them were included for their intelligence and not just looks. I also think it was a bit unnecessary to include snippets about their sex lives. Okay, that might be interesting, but all it did for me was detract from their real contributions.
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February 17, 2014This is very cute, and it will definitely inspire the desire to learn more about at least one of the 50 people in it. My review, plus a giveaway for a signed copy, here: http://mclicious.org/2014/02/12/blog-...
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