Exploring The History Of Prostitution And Commercialization In New York City: City Of Eros (1790-1920)

City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is an important book for those who are interested in the history of sex work in America. Written by Timothy J. Gilfoyle, this book provides a comprehensive overview of prostitution from its earliest days in New York City up until the 1920s. It examines the commercialization of sex work, how it was affected by politics, immigration trends, and public attitudes. In addition, Gilfoyle looks at the lives of prostitutes themselves, including their working conditions and social status. This book offers an invaluable look into an often misunderstood part of American history. Read on to find out more about this fascinating subject.

Table of Contents

City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 Review

City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is a comprehensive and informative study on the history of prostitution in America’s most populous city. In this book, historian Timothy J. Gilfoyle examines the development and operation of prostitution in New York from 1790 to 1920. Through extensive primary sources, Gilfoyle reconstructs a vivid picture of brothels, streetwalkers, madams, and pimps in the city’s crowded tenements and bustling commercial areas.

Key Features
1. Explores the development and operation of prostitution in New York City between 1790-1920
2. Examines the relationships between prostitutes, clients, and police
3. Analyzes the impact of social reform movements on prostitution
4. Investigates the influence of race and ethnicity on commercial sex
5. Draws on a wide range of primary sources including court records, newspapers, and advertisements

Through City of Eros, readers can gain an understanding of how prostitution was commercialized during this period as well as how it has been shaped by law enforcement, civic authorities, religious organizations, political organizations, and other forces. In addition to providing a detailed account of prostitution in New York City during this era, Gilfoyle also explains how these practices have influenced our current understanding of sex work today. With its engaging narrative style and rigorous scholarship, City of Eros is an essential resource for those interested in learning more about the history of prostitution in America’s largest metropolis.

Product Details

Product Details	Information
Title	City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920
Author	Timothy J. Gilfoyle
Publisher	W. W. Norton & Company
Publication Date	January 1993
Number of Pages	352 pages
ISBN-10/ISBN-13	0393311082 / 9780393311083
Dimensions (L x W x H)in cm/inches	21.6 x 14.0 x 2.3 cm / 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
Weight (kg/pound)	0.383 kg / 0.845 pounds

City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 Pros and Cons

City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is the perfect book for anyone looking to explore the history of prostitution and commercialization in New York City. Written by historians Timothy Gilfoyle and Barbara Meil Hobson, this work is a comprehensive account of how prostitution changed over time.

Pros:
1. Detailed accounts of the rise and fall of prostitution in New York City from 1790-1920
2. Offers an in-depth look at the people involved in prostitution and their motivations
3. Explains how changing social norms affected the trade
4. Contains vivid descriptions of the city’s prostitutes, brothels, and other related places
5. Includes numerous illustrations and photographs from the era
6. Written by two highly respected historians

Cons:
1. Focuses exclusively on New York City so some readers may find it too narrow in scope
2. Can be dense with historical detail which may be difficult to follow for those unfamiliar with the period
3. May not appeal to casual readers looking for an entertaining read

If you’re interested in learning more about prostitution and commercialization during this period, City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is an excellent resource worth checking out. It’s a fascinating look at an often overlooked part of history that sheds light on an important aspect of life during this time period.

Who are They for

City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is an in-depth look into the history of prostitution in one of the world’s most iconic cities. Written by Timothy J. Gilfoyle, a professor at Loyola University Chicago, this meticulously researched book dives deep into the various aspects of prostitution during this time period. From the lives of sex workers to the attempts made by city officials to control prostitution, City of Eros provides readers with a comprehensive and fascinating look into an often overlooked aspect of New York City’s history.

The book examines the changing attitudes towards prostitution and its commercialization over a span of more than 100 years. It looks at how prohibitions were enforced and how prostitutes adapted to survive and thrive in their environment. It also delves into other topics such as human trafficking, child labor, public health, police corruption, reform movements, gender roles, and much more.

Gilfoyle has done a masterful job of combining primary sources—such as police reports and court records—with social and cultural analysis to create a vivid portrait of life in New York City during this time period. He also paints an interesting picture of the city itself—from its streets and alleyways to its brothels and saloons. The result is an engaging read that both educates and entertains.

If you are looking for a detailed account on prostitution in New York City from 1790-1920 or just interested in learning about the history of one of America’s most storied cities, then City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is the perfect book for you!

My Experience for City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920

I never knew the history of prostitution in New York City could be so fascinating! City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is a book that tells the story of how sex work has been an intrinsic part of the city’s culture for centuries. From brothels to bawdy houses, streetwalkers to madams, this book offers an engaging look at the many ways people have made money off sex in New York.

The author dives deep into the archives to uncover a wealth of stories about the colorful characters who populated this world: madams like Big Fanny and Josephine “Frenchy” Miller; police officers like Thomas Byrnes and William “Big Bill” Devery; authors like George Washington Cable and Stephen Crane; and reformers like Charles Anderson Dana. It was truly eye-opening to read about their struggles with law enforcement, politics, public opinion, and more.

What I found most interesting was how the commercialization of sex shaped — and continues to shape — New York City. From red-light districts to legal brothels and strip clubs, this book reveals how generations of sex workers have sought to make money while navigating a complex web of laws and regulations. In addition, it provides a valuable historical perspective on how social attitudes toward sex work have changed over time.

If you’re looking for an entertaining yet educational read about the history of prostitution in New York City, then City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is definitely worth checking out!

What I don’t Like

1. Limited coverage of the topic: City of Eros focuses primarily on the prostitution industry in New York City from 1790-1920, and does not cover other aspects of the city’s commercialization or other industries during that period.

2. Outdated information: As the book is almost two decades old, some of the information contained within it may be outdated or inaccurate.

3. Lack of primary sources: Although City of Eros contains a wealth of secondary sources, it lacks primary source material, which could provide further insight into the topic at hand.

4. Unclear writing style: The author’s writing style is often difficult to follow, making it difficult to understand key concepts and arguments presented within the text.

5. Lack of contextualization: City of Eros fails to contextualize its subject matter within a broader historical context, which could have been useful for readers interested in learning more about both the history and current state of prostitution in New York City.

How to Understand Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City

In City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920, author Timothy J. Gilfoyle takes a comprehensive look at the history of prostitution in the Big Apple. This book offers an in-depth exploration of prostitution and its implications for New York City’s economic, social and cultural life during the period spanning 1790-1920.

From the rise of brothels on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to the controversy surrounding the influx of European immigrants, Gilfoyle examines the various aspects of prostitution from all angles. He includes both first-hand accounts from those involved in the industry as well as contemporary newspaper articles. The narrative is supplemented with a wealth of illustrations and photographs, helping readers to visualize the people and places that shaped this part of NYC’s history.

In addition to providing an overview of prostitution in New York City, Gilfoyle also offers an insightful analysis into the city’s commercialization process. He looks at how changes in law enforcement impacted the industry and how it was affected by economic conditions. The book also delves into other related topics such as human trafficking, censorship and regulation.

By reading City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920, readers will gain a better understanding of one of NYC’s most important periods. They can learn about how this unique industry developed over time, as well as its impact on society today.

Questions about City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920

What Is City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920?

City of Eros: Prostitution and Commercialization in New York City, 1790-1920 is a comprehensive book that examines the history of prostitution in the city from its beginnings in the 1790s through 1920. It explores the complex ways in which prostitution was viewed by different classes of people, as well as tracing its evolution over time. It also looks at the various regulatory efforts that were put into place to try and control prostitution.

Who Should Read City of Eros?

City of Eros is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the topic of commercialized sex work, particularly within the context of New York City’s history. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, with detailed analysis and research on how prostitution has been regulated over time. It is ideal for students and scholars looking for an in-depth examination of this topic.

What Topics Does City of Eros Cover?

City of Eros covers a wide range of topics related to prostitution and commercialization, including its legal status throughout history, its effects on public health, the development of brothels and other establishments, police enforcement strategies, reform movements, and much more. It provides a unique look at how this profession has developed over time.

What Type Of Research Was Conducted For City Of Eros?

City of Eros draws on a wide variety of sources to provide an accurate account of prostitution within New York City’s history. These sources include newspaper accounts, court records, photographs, interviews with former prostitutes, memoirs and diaries, as well as historical data from government agencies. This allows for a comprehensive view on the subject matter.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.