Carnal Commerce in Counter Reformation Rome

Tessa Storey

Research output: Book/ReportBook

Abstract

Focusing on 1566-1656 this study explores the daily lives and material culture of ordinary prostitutes and their clients in Rome after the Counter-Reformation. Based principally on criminal records, notarial documents and popular images and literature, it explores in particular issues such as who and why women became prostitutes, the relationships between them and their clients and the wealth and material possessions which could be accumulated. It shows that despite Tridentine reforms, prostitution continued to flourish and to provide a lucrative living for many women.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationCambridge
PublisherCambridge University Press
Number of pages296
Publication statusPublished - 2008

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