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j_ward's review against another edition
5.0
"How we write about sex work, indeed how we think and talk about it, matters… Its workers are deserving of rights and respect, of being generally heard and seen, rather than stereotyped and silenced."
I just adore Kate Lister. I started this as an audiobook but realized that many of the artifacts/photographs Lister references are printed in the book. It's absolutely worth getting a physical copy.
Was a little surprised that she never discussed the history of "hookers" & the brief legalization of prostitution in Nashville during the Civil War. However, I knew nothing about the history of prostitution in NOLA, so it was a fair enough trade-off.
I just adore Kate Lister. I started this as an audiobook but realized that many of the artifacts/photographs Lister references are printed in the book. It's absolutely worth getting a physical copy.
Was a little surprised that she never discussed the history of "hookers" & the brief legalization of prostitution in Nashville during the Civil War. However, I knew nothing about the history of prostitution in NOLA, so it was a fair enough trade-off.
mistressofroses's review against another edition
5.0
A well put together primer on the history of
sex work across time and in various cultures, supplemented by beautifully presented art and photographs. Each chapter is about a different point in history and/or a different culture. Perhaps the first time a non-memoir book on sex work is sex worker positive (Dr. Lister's support of the decriminalization of sex work, as opposed to use of the so-called Nordic model, is argued in the book's final chapter, in case there is doubt as to where she stands on the issue) which is a decidedly pleasant change. Some chapters are noticeably shorter than others, mainly the chapters on China and Japan; but though I can only speak for Japan in particular, I can say with certainty that this is only due to lack of available material as opposed to bias-- and as far as I can tell from my own research which may even have access to more than Dr. Lister's as I do not have to rely on only English-language materials, what she does present is just as accurate in that chapter as any of the others. (I admit that I probably focused in a little too much on this for review purposes, as had I gone down a slightly different path I may have been a contributor to that chapter, so it reminded me personally of just how little information is actually available about the aspects of some cultures that were victims of moralizing across time. ANYWAY.)
Highly recommended for a pleasant read that won't leave you bored, especially in the hardcover edition for the visual aspects, which contain both black and white and color pieces.
sex work across time and in various cultures, supplemented by beautifully presented art and photographs. Each chapter is about a different point in history and/or a different culture. Perhaps the first time a non-memoir book on sex work is sex worker positive (Dr. Lister's support of the decriminalization of sex work, as opposed to use of the so-called Nordic model, is argued in the book's final chapter, in case there is doubt as to where she stands on the issue) which is a decidedly pleasant change. Some chapters are noticeably shorter than others, mainly the chapters on China and Japan; but though I can only speak for Japan in particular, I can say with certainty that this is only due to lack of available material as opposed to bias-- and as far as I can tell from my own research which may even have access to more than Dr. Lister's as I do not have to rely on only English-language materials, what she does present is just as accurate in that chapter as any of the others. (I admit that I probably focused in a little too much on this for review purposes, as had I gone down a slightly different path I may have been a contributor to that chapter, so it reminded me personally of just how little information is actually available about the aspects of some cultures that were victims of moralizing across time. ANYWAY.)
Highly recommended for a pleasant read that won't leave you bored, especially in the hardcover edition for the visual aspects, which contain both black and white and color pieces.
professorworm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
blahaj99's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
4.5
a quick and informative book, quite similar in some places to Lister’s other book (which i finished a few days before this one). loved the visual aspect of the book and all the accompanying art, photographs, sculptures and other objects
littlehush's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
I love a book I can learn from, and I learned loads from this one on a subject I have a strong interest in, not least the development of women's rights through a fascinating lens. Really enjoyed the content, images (especially Eugene Atget whose work I'm already familiar with), and the light hearted lean. A good accompaniment for The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, and possibly also The Covent Garden Ladies also by Hallie Rubenhold if you have an interest here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual violence
fioreail's review against another edition
5.0
A great collection of historical information about sex work around the world with plentiful illustrations and photos of what life through the years was like. I really enjoyed how it highlighted certain commonalities across it. That attempts to criminalize sex work never worked and if anything, pushed people to the margins where greater abuse go noticed. And when it was done, it was never for the protection of vulnerable populations but rather to keep those privileged enough to be paying customers safe. And that before the introduction of western ideas, many places were far less restrictive in sexual practices and beliefs.
ragepaige93's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much that I finished it within nearly 24 hours! It was difficult to put down. I'm leaving 5 stars everywhere I can.