Harlots, Whores & Hackabouts

A History of Sex for Sale

By: Kate Lister

Narrated by: Kate Lister

The history of selling sex is a hidden one—and too often its practitioners are pushed to the margins of history. This book redresses the balance, revealing the history of the sex trade through the eyes of sex workers, from medieval streets to Wild West saloons, and from brothels to state bedrooms.

Harlots, Whores & Hackabouts' chapters are structured thematically in a broadly chronological order, each one introducing a lively cast of complex and entertaining characters operating in an array of different periods, locations, and settings. In ancient Mesopotamia, the harlot Shamhat was powerful and respected, able to civilize the wild man Enkidu through her charms. In medieval London, Elizabeth Moryng serviced religious clergy under the guise of an embroidery business, though she was eventually jailed for being a prolific panderer and bawd. In the hedonistic floating world of Edo, Japan, Kabuki actresses and geishas entertained and pleasured their patrons. Lister's engaging and illuminating tales invite listeners to look, listen, and reconsider everything they thought they knew about the world's oldest profession. Together, these captivating tales of sex workers from around the world and throughout history provide a powerful context to contemporary debates about sexuality and the empowerment of women.

Contains mature themes.

©2021 Thames & Hudson Ltd, London; Text copyright 2021 by Kate Lister (P)2022 Tantor

Fantastic and Compelling

I love this book, it gave such an informative view of the history of sex work. The art was also so well curated (I read along with the physical copy). Recommending to everyone!

10/10!!

An excellent book from one of my favorite authors (as well as podcasters!). I recommend all of Lister’s various work. I only hope that we can hope to see another book soon (fingers crossed).

The Japanese Geishas

The entire book was interesting. There were some gaps of missing information in regards to the Antebellum south and the Mulattos passing as Creoles working girls

surprisingly good!

I didnt expect to like this book so much. It's not meant to be gossipy or funny, as most history books about the topic are. instead the writer carefully maps out the history of prostitution with great respect to the victims, workers, and accused and the premise that regulation and laws only exacerbate the core issues. GREAT READ!

Impressed by Kate’s Lister yet again

I liked learning no about this topic. I was completely unaware of this aspect of history.