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.