Book Alert / Jezebel -- The Untold Story of the Bible's Harlot Queen

Jezebel -- The Untold Story of the Bible's Harlot Queen by Lesley Hazleton, Doubleday '07, $24.95, 258 pages, ISBN #0385516142. Index, bibliography, source notes, unillustrated except for maps inside front and rear covers.

Even in this jaded age, calling a woman a Jezebel still elicits a slight gasp. For the Bible's harlot queen has come to be considered the lowest of the low. But Lesley Hazleton, author of three books about the Middle East, has a different take on the powerful Phoenician princess.

"From the moment Jezebel arrives in Israel for her marriage to King Ahab -- a political alliance of utmost importance for both kingdoms -- her head-on clash with the militant prophet Elijah becomes inevitable. And so do its terrible consequences." Jezebel's enemies, says Hazleton, used sexual slurs to smear her and even accused her of murder. The author draws parallels to strong women throughout history who have suffered abuse. Yes, you will find Hillary Clinton in the index.