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A review by mistressofroses
Harlots, Whores & Hackabouts: A History of Sex for Sale by Kate Lister
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.