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Synopsis
In fifteenth-century France, public prostitution was condoned by all sectors of society. Clerics and municipal officials not only tolerated prostitution, but were often its principal beneficiaries, owning and frequenting brothels quite openly. The explanation of this remarkable state of affairs is just one aspect of Jacques Rossiaud's vivid reconstruction of a part of medieval society that has previously received little attention.
Drawing upon extensive research in medieval archives, the author shows that most fifteenth-century Frenchwomen could expect a life of constant subjugation to male desire. Rape, for instance, was common and considered only a minor crime. He then considers whether public prostitution might paradoxically have been seen by the secular and religious authorities as a means of social control, and of preserving marital stability: the virtue of wives and daughters was best protected by the existence of public brothels, where sexual urges could be satisfied without adultery or rape. Jacques Rossiaud also describes the social background of the prostitutes, brothel-keepers, pimps, and their clientele, providing a vivid overview of the context in which medieval prostitution existed.
Medieval Prostitution will be of interest to medieval historians, as well as to students of the history of the family and sexuality.
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About the Author
Jacques Rossiaud is Professor of History at the University of Lyon.
Language Notes
Text: English, Italian (translation)
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- PublisherWiley-Blackwell
- Publication date1995
- ISBN 10 0631199926
- ISBN 13 9780631199922
- BindingPaperback
- LanguageEnglish
- Number of pages224
- Rating
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Medieval Prostitution
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John Wiley and Sons Ltd, United Kingdom, Oxford, 1995
ISBN 10: 0631199926
ISBN 13: 9780631199922
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Paperback
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. In 15th-century France, public prostitution was condoned by all sectors of society. Clerics and municipal officials not only tolerated prostitution, but were often its principal beneficiaries, owning and frequenting brothels quite openly. The explanation of this remarkable state of affairs is just one aspect of this book's reconstruction of a part of medieval society that has previously received little attention. Drawing upon extensive research in medieval archives, this book shows that most 15th-century Frenchwomen could expect a life of constant subjugation to male desire. Rape, for instance, was common and considered only a minor crime. It then considers whether public prostitution might paradoxically have been seen by the secular and religious authorities as a means of social control, and of preserving marital stability: the virtue of wives and daughters was best protected by the existence of public brothels, where sexual urges could be satisfied without adultery or rape. Jacques Rossiaud also describes the social background of the prostitutes, brothel-keepers, pimps and their clientele, providing an overview of the context in which medieval prostitution existed. This book should be of interest to medieval historians, as well as to students of the history of the family and sexuality. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR003101817
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