Book Talk at the Library of Virginia Wednesday, August 13, 2008 _Mistress of the Vatican—The True Story of Olimpia Maidalchini: The Secret Female Pope_ by Eleanor Herman Time: Noon–1:00 PM FREE EVENT Best-selling author and historian Eleanor Herman will discuss and sign _Mistress of the Vatican_, the story of Olimpia Maidalchini who, for a decade in the 17th century, ran the Catholic Church through her brother-in-law and reputed lover, Pope Innocent X. Cardinals bowed to her and princes feted her as she made international policy, waged war, patronized Rome's greatest Baroque artists, and made herself rich with Vatican gold. _Mistress of the Vatican_ is Eleanor’s third book. _Sex with Kings_ – a history of royal mistresses – appeared in 2004, and _Sex with the Queen_ – a history of queens who took lovers – was published in 2006. Eleanor is a frequent commentator in the media about royal scandals, and has hosted episodes for The History Channel’s show, “Lost Worlds”, to air in the 2007-8 season. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Eleanor graduated with a degree in journalism from Towson University, studied languages in Europe, and for thirteen years worked for _NATO’S Nations & Partners for Peace_ magazine. Copies of _Mistress of the Vatican_ are available in the Virginia Shop at the Library of Virginia: http://www.lva.virginia.gov/whatwedo/shop.htm . The Library of Virginia is located at 800 East Broad Street in downtown Richmond. Free parking is available underneath the building. www.lva.virginia.gov 804.692.3500 ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html