A provocative and compelling illustrated cultural history of the world’s oldest profession that recovers the stories of those who sold sex for a living.

Talked over, talked down or talked for, the history of sex work is one of control, stigma and stereotype in which the lived experience of people selling sex is largely obscured. In this provocative, compelling and witty cultural history, Kate Lister (creator of ‘Whores of Yore’) recovers the stories of those who sold sex for a living. From medieval London back streets to Storyville brothels, and from Chinese flower boats to royal bed chambers, this authoritative and global history of sex work is enhanced by evocative paintings, archival photographs and intriguing curios.

About the Author:

Kate Lister

is the creator of the award-winning online research project ‘Whores of Yore’, which seeks to build public engagement and disseminate research on the history of sex and sexuality through social media. The Twitter feed has 464,000 followers and the website receives an average of 60,000 independent visits a month. She also lectures at Leeds Trinity University, is widely published on the sex trade and collaborates with several sex-worker charities and campaign groups.