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The Covent Garden Ladies

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The Covent Garden Ladies

By: Hallie Rubenhold
Narrated by: Emily Pennant-Rea, Hallie Rubenhold
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The book that inspired BBC 2’s Harlots, now with a new preface read by the author.

From the best-selling author of The Five.

1757 - Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies, a salacious publication detailing the names and 'specialties' of the capital's prostitutes, eventually became one of the 18th century's most successful literary works as well as an essential accessory for any serious gentleman of pleasure.

Beyond its titillating passages lay a glimpse into the sex lives of those who lived and died by the list's profits during the Georgian era.

The Covent Garden Ladies tells the story of three unusual characters whose colourful lives were brought together by this publication.

Its story plunges the listener down the dark alleys of 18th-century London's underworld, a realm populated by tavern owners, pimps, punters, card sharks and, of course, a colourful range of prostitutes and brothel keepers.

©2005 Hallie Rubenhold (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd Europe Great Britain Historical
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Critic reviews

"Rubenhold proves herself both a keen researcher and a writer who understands narrative tension...a compelling and ingenious book." (The Independent)

"Scrupulously researched and cleverly structured.... Among the scurrilous tales of 18th-century low life...this one is the most intriguing." (The Daily Telegraph)

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Bringing to life the long dead ladies who were recorded, lauded and maligned by Harris’ list. Some errors in the presentation but a fascinating listen.

Takes from the sex trade of the 1750s

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This book was very well researched and excellently written. I felt compassion and sadneas for the various characters and was grateful that even though sometimes sad there stories were still told

Fascinating look at a less mentioned history

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Lovely book, very interesting. Very captivating story and the narration was good . Definitely recommend

worth the money

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I found this book fascinating. An in-depth study of the prostitutes, pimps, pubs and theatres around Covent Garden in the mid to late 18th century. Hogarth’s period is brought vividly to life. It also gives a real insight into the lives of the poor in the period; particularly the virtually non-existent choice of occupation open to many girls and women living in London.

Fascinating history

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The narration was beautiful but not so well edited as it changed volume and texture at random intervals.

But the book itself was a fascinating read, a surprising history of a group of people whose voices you’d never normally hear.

Fascinating story of 18th c underworld

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