Kelly Murphy - Historical Heartthrobs. 50 Timeless Crushes-From Cleopatra to Camus

I f you were anything like I was in school, history class probably functioned as a time to refine your deeply considered sketch of a monkey dangling from a palm tree in outer space, or perhaps for wondering whether you remembered both your mouth guard and your cleats. The stereotype of history class as a mind-numbingly dull endeavor often has more than a grain of truth to itespecially when your teachers monotonous voice is about as captivating as the grayscale paisley on his tie. So how can we make history come to life? Its simple: Add some romance.

Way back in elementary school, we learned that history is the record and interpretation of past events, documenting important objects, places, and of course, people. Ambrose Bierce oered his own definition of history as, An account, mostly false, of events, mostly unimportant, which are brought about by rulers, mostly knaves, and soldiers, mostly fools. Its a cynical outlook on the course of human events, but it does hint at one of the things that makes history compellingthe people! Historical figures are still people, they just wore funnier clothes and didnt have the internet. And much like people today, the nature of their hotness varied, from physical to intellectual to emotional. At first glance, rating the hotness of some of historys most influential people might seem shallow or reductive, but when you think about it, a persons level of attractiveness can really help or hinder their influence on the world around them.

While theres just no way to make a definitive list of the 50 hottest historical figures of all timebecause one persons hottie is another persons nottieI can at least explain my basic rationale behind the selection process. In general, I tried to include historical figures for whom there were some accurate (and flattering) representations available. (Because its one thing to say Nikola Tesla was a smoking hot scientist, but its something else entirely to feel the power of his trademark smirk.) This meant, for the most part, that the Ancient world was off limits, but Cleopatra snuck in because the legend of her beauty was a major part of her appeal both in her time and today.

Historical Heartthrobs includes hotties from a variety of eras, countries, and spheres of influence. For instance, youll find the usual influential suspects, like politicians and generals, but youll also read about the scientists, activists, entertainers, and even pilots who made an impact on the world. And while were on the subject of diversity, some of the people included here are immediately, obviously, heart-throbbingly attractive, while others might not be your cup of tea physically, but their intellect or legacy is just as attractive as another hotties body.

If you have ever read a newspaper or watched a reality show, then you already know that hotness doesnt necessarily equal goodness. In fact, sometimes hotness is even increased by certain diabolical tendencies. As a result, Historical Heartthrobs includes people (like Frederick Douglass) who fought bravely and tirelessly for social progress and change, and others (like Bugsy Siegel) who would do just about anything (and kill anyone) to make a buck. The common thread? One way or another, the 50 people in this book made other people swoon. Each entry explains why these people were sexy to their contemporaries and why they still matter to us today, sometimes for better (as in the case of Jane Goodall) and sometimes for worse (as in the case of John Wilkes Booth).

To prevent broken hearts, Ive provided a handy heat index that evaluates the pros (bravery, intelligence, wit) and cons (narcissism, rudeness, assassin-y tendencies) of each historical heartthrob. Indispensable fun facts and quotes help reveal what hanging with these heartthrobs in their respective day and age was really like. And, of course, each entry includes an incredible image of each figure doing what they do bestlookin good and makin history in the process.

Theres not a dull person in the bunch, so if a page or two isnt enough to satisfy your curiosity about Frida Kahlo or Huey Newton, turn to the further reading section (see ) to help fan the flames of your new love affairs.

Historical Heartthrobs is written for history buffs and beginners alike. At its core, its an appreciation of people who figured out what they were passionate aboutbe it aviation, poker, or just other peopleand turned it into something powerful. At the end of the day, isnt that what we all dream of?