Here is the first comprehensive overview of the attempts to eradicate prostitution from English society, including discussion of early attempts at reform and prevention through the campaigns of the social purists.
This indispensable book reveals:
reformers attitudes towards prostitute and prostitution;
daily life inside reform institutions;
attempts at moral education;
developments in moral health theories;
influence of eugenics;
and attempts at suppressing prostitution.
"Prostitution"is an essential new addition to the study of prostitution in history, providing an up-to-date account of the social and political efforts to rid it from society.

Paula Bartley is senior lecturer in History at the University of Wolverhampton.

Introduction; Part 1 From sinners to Cinderellas; Chapter 1 Reform institutions; Chapter 2 Daily life inside reform institutions; Part 2 Prevention is better than cure; Chapter 3 Moral education and protective legislation; Chapter 4 'Wayward and troublesome girls'; Part 3 The making of the mentally deficient; Chapter 5 The background; Chapter 6 Care rather than cure; Part 4 Purifying the nation; Chapter 7 Suppressing prostitution; Chapter 8 Men and morality; conclusion Conclusion: from fin de siècleto the millennium;