Skip to product information
1 of 1

Terry Williams

The Soft City: Sex for Business and Pleasure in New York City

The Soft City: Sex for Business and Pleasure in New York City

💎 Earn 66 Points (£0.66) on this item.

Low Stock: Only 1 copies remaining
Regular price £13.39 GBP
Regular price £25.00 GBP Sale price £13.39 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

YOU SAVE £11.61

  • Condition: Brand new
  • UK Delivery times: Usually arrives within 2 - 3 working days
  • UK Shipping: Fee starts at £2.39. Subject to product weight & dimension

Bulk ordering. Want 15 or more copies? Get a personalised quote and bigger discounts. Learn more about bulk orders.

  • More about The Soft City: Sex for Business and Pleasure in New York City

The book "The Soft City" explores the underground world of sex in New York City, featuring field notes taken between 1975 and the present and documenting how New Yorkers on the social periphery have thought about and pursued sex. It is as irreproducible as it is provocative.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press


Sex, a primal and raw human experience, takes on diverse forms in the vibrant city of New York. In the pre-Giuliani era, Times Square was adorned with theater marquees and neon signs that beckoned temptation, while unmarked doors downtown concealed more adventurous encounters for those in the know.

In his groundbreaking book, "The Soft City," ethnographer Terry Williams delves deep into the underground world of sex in New York. Accompanied by accomplices and informants, Williams explores the "perverse space" of the city, unearthing a tapestry of sexual experiences. The book encompasses a wide range of venues, including porn theaters, sex shops, peep shows, restroom cruising, sadomasochism clubs, swingers events, and many more.

Through field notes taken between 1975 and the present, "The Soft City" vividly documents the ways in which New Yorkers on the social periphery have thought about and pursued sex, whether for leisure or as a means of livelihood. It offers an unconventional account of New York City's many transformations, showcasing how the "soft city"—its people and their unique character—has evolved in response to official and social pressures.

Williams' unmistakable portraits of the demimonde, as well as the accounts of other ethnographers who dared to venture into the city's hidden crannies, add depth and richness to the narrative. "The Soft City" is both irreproducible and provocative, challenging readers to explore the darker corners of human sexuality and the ever-changing landscape of New York City.

Weight: 506g
Dimension: 233 x 154 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231177955

This item can be found in:

UK and International shipping information

UK Delivery and returns information:

  • Delivery within 2 - 3 days when ordering in the UK.
  • Shipping fee for UK customers from £2.39. Fully tracked shipping service available.
  • Returns policy: Return within 30 days of receipt for full refund.

International deliveries:

Shulph Ink now ships to Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, India, Luxembourg Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Netherlands, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.

  • Delivery times: within 5 - 10 days for international orders.
  • Shipping fee: charges vary for overseas orders. Only tracked services are available for most international orders. Some countries have untracked shipping options.
  • Customs charges: If ordering to addresses outside the United Kingdom, you may or may not incur additional customs and duties fees during local delivery.
View full details