"In an era brimming with scandal and dominated by tabloid ethics, sex expert Dr. Ruth abandons "kiss and tell" in favor of what she calls a "kiss and reflect" approach. She examines how power and sex are inextricably linked and how they have influenced each other in broader social and political contexts." "This history blueprints the most common political-sexual constructions - polygamy, the harem, the trophy wife, the mistress, and the political marriage - and discusses the unique challenges faced by female rulers and by gay and lesbian politicians. Power delves into the private lives (and surrounding myths) of leaders and historical figures from the well known to the obscure. It traces the public's fascination with the private exploits of the rich and powerful from ancient Egypt, where Cleopatra used her seductive charm to capture the hearts and political strength of two powerful Romans; through ancient China, where concubine Yang Gulfei enchanted Emperor Xuan Zong and their affair brought down a dynasty; and into the twentieth century, when the media made the personal lives of the Perons and the Kennedys front-page news."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved