By Alev Lytle Croutier.
Mystery and wonder! This tells the inside story of life in a harem. Who better to tell this story than a Turkish woman whose grandmother grew up in a 'harem.' Harems were abolished in 1909--the separate part of the house where women were isolated . This fascinating history is told and richly illustrated with the works of Gérôme, Delacroix, Dulac, Matisse, Ingres, Renoir, John Frederick Lewis and many others in addition to exquisite Turkish woodcuts, gem-like Persian miniatures, and historic photographs. One of the largest and longest lasting harems is fully described--the harem of Seralio. Croutier describes the power unofficially exercised by the sultanas (head harem women) in state politics as being instrumental in the decline and fall of the empire. We also learn about their lives: relationships, clothing, baths (and pampering at the baths), food, shopping and other outings, and of course, the eunuchs.
Pop Culture 
