William Sanger's "History of Prostitution" is a comprehensive and eye-opening exploration of the world's oldest profession. Sanger delves deep into the origins and evolution of prostitution, from ancient civilizations to modern times, providing a thorough analysis of the social, economic, and political factors that have influenced the trade throughout history.

One of the most striking aspects of Sanger's book is his emphasis on the voices of the women who have worked as prostitutes, giving them agency and depicting their experiences in a respectful and empathetic manner. By humanizing and contextualizing these women, Sanger challenges the stigma and stereotypes often associated with the profession.

Furthermore, Sanger's meticulous research and attention to detail make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of sex work. He examines the various forms of prostitution, the regulations and laws that have governed it, and the ways in which it has been intertwined with issues of gender, class, and power.

Overall, "History of Prostitution" is a thought-provoking and insightful read that sheds light on a complex and often misunderstood aspect of human society. Sanger's writing is engaging and informative, making this book a must-read for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the history and cultural significance of prostitution.

Book Description:

Common sense asks for a full investigation of all the evils attending prostitution. In the every-day affairs of life, any man who feels the pressure of a particular evil looks at once for its cause. He may be neither a philosopher nor a logician, and may never have heard of or read any of the luminous treatises which professedly simplify science, yet he knows very well that for every effect there must be some adequate cause, and for this he generally searches diligently till he can find and remove it. But here, in the city of New York, is a population who claim to be as intelligent as any on the Western continent, who have been for years suffering from the effects of a vice in purse and person; who have paid and are paying every year large sums of money on account of it; who witness every day some broken constitution or ruined character resulting from it, and who yet have never thought of seeking out the cause! Is it now too late to enlist your sympathies in the undertaking? Hence we conclude that propriety, expediency, public safety, private interest, and common sense demand an investigation like this now submitted to the reader. (from the Introduction)