Brides of the Multitude - Prostitution in the Old West (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Brides of the Multitude is a fascinating, historically accurate account of why prostitution ran rampant in the Old West during the prudish Victorian period of the United States. It explains who these fallen women were and touches on their reasons for becoming prostitutes. It details the types of establishments of prostitution that existed, the conditions under which the women worked, and the many problems associated with sexually transmitted diseases and contraception. Weaving facts with colorful anecdotes, author Jeremy Agnew presents a fascinating look at the ladies who conducted business in the infamous red light districts located throughout the frontier. Also in this book, the author debunks many of the myths associated with prostitution in the Old West. He points out the difference between rural and urban soiled doves, as well as Eastern and Western prostitutes. Agnew describes a definite social order that existed among the prostitutes. And, in frank, but not too graphic terms, he brings to light a subject that is not easy to research, but was an integral part of everyday life of the time.

About the Author

Born in England, Jeremy Agnew graduated from the University of Colorado, married a Colorado native, and has worked for many years in the biomedical electronics industry. He loves Colorado and enjoys researching and writing about the outdoors and Western history. He has written books on numerous subjects, including Exploring the Colorado High Country and Life of A Soldier on the Western Frontier. Agnew is a project volunteer for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, an instructor for the Division s Wildlife Watch, and a certified volunteer interpretive naturalist for Colorado State Parks.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Western Reflections Publishing Company; First edition (June 9, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932738495
• ISBN-13: 978-1932738490
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,256,749 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Old west brothel shares as much of a historical image as does the cowboy or undertaker., September 3, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The Old west brothel shares as much of a historical image as does the cowboy or undertaker. "Brides of the Multitude: Prostitution in the Old West" is a look at where the income of many of the old western cowboy dollars went - the houses of ill repute. Looking at the women themselves, why they came to the oldest profession in history, and how they dealt with the daily hazards of the profession such as contraception and venereal diseases. The information found within is intriguing and of interest to any history fan who wants a look at what is never taught in school. "Brides of the Multitude" is enthusiastically recommended to history collections everywhere.