Prostitution in Medieval and Early Modern Literature: The Dark Side of Sex and Love in the Premodern Era

Prostitution is the oldest profession, but there has been little written about its literary representations. Prostitution in Medieval and Early Modern Literature examines the work of writers from various social positions, revealing that prostitutes and brothel owners were present on the literary stage more often than assumed. It explores the phenomenon of prostitution in different contexts and highlights its significance for both the higher and lower classes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Prostitution, a timeless profession that has spanned the ages, has garnered significant attention from historians in exploring its social and cultural significance across different time periods. However, the realm of literary representations of prostitution has remained relatively unexplored. In Prostitution in Medieval and Early Modern Literature, scholars delve into the works of writers from various social backgrounds, including courtly poets and even religious figures, during the medieval and early modern eras. What emerges from this comprehensive study is a surprising revelation: prostitutes and brothel owners were far more prevalent on the literary stage than previously assumed.

To conduct this analysis, the book employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon a wealth of sources from across the entire European continent, spanning from the early Middle Ages to the sixteenth century. By examining prostitution in a range of contexts, from urban centers to rural villages, the book sheds light on the profound impact that this institution had on both the higher and lower classes of society.

One of the key findings of the book is the extent to which prostitution was considered a legitimate profession in certain periods. During the medieval era, for instance, there were laws and regulations in place that governed the practice of prostitution, and it was often seen as a means of income for women who were unable to find other employment. In some cases, courtly poets and noblemen even patronized prostitutes, viewing them as companions and entertainers.

However, the book also highlights the darker side of prostitution, including the exploitation and abuse that many prostitutes faced. Brothel owners often subjected them to harsh conditions, including physical and sexual abuse, and forced them to work long hours for little pay. Prostitutes were often stigmatized and marginalized by society, and they faced discrimination and social exclusion.

Despite the challenges and hardships faced by prostitutes, the book argues that they played an important role in shaping the cultural and social landscape of medieval and early modern Europe. Prostitution provided a means of income for many women, and it also facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences between different social classes. In some cases, prostitutes were even celebrated as heroines or heroines, as they defied societal expectations and pursued their own desires and aspirations.

Prostitution in Medieval and Early Modern Literature is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of prostitution in medieval and early modern Europe. By examining the work of writers from various social positions and incorporating a wide range of sources, the book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the institution and its impact on society. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history and literature of this period.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 220 x 151 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498585828