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The London-Bawd: With Her Character and Life Discovering the Various and Subtle Intrigues of Lewd Women

by Anonymous

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About this book

The London-Bawd by Anonymous offers a darkly satirical glimpse into the criminal underworld of 17th-century England, exposing the schemes and characters who profited from exploitation. Originally published in 1705, this provocative social commentary reveals the intricate web of deception surrounding the trade in illicit services across London's shadowy streets. Through biting wit and unflinching observation, the anonymous author dissects the psychology and operations of those who preyed on vulnerability and desperation. The narrative unfolds as both a character study and a cautionary tale, detailing the cunning tactics, elaborate cons, and moral compromises that defined this hidden society. Rather than romanticizing or condemning outright, the text functions as a historical exposé—a window into how power, poverty, and human weakness intersected in early modern London. This satirical work serves as essential reading for historians, literary scholars, and anyone fascinated by social history. It provides rare documentary evidence of daily life among London's criminal classes and the overlooked figures who operated behind closed doors. The crude but vivid language captures the authentic voice of the period, making it an invaluable primary source. Ideal for listeners interested in historical non-fiction, social critique, or the hidden histories of early modern urban life, this audiobook illuminates a often-neglected corner of English literature—one that challenges modern assumptions about morality, survival, and society's margins.