In Bed with the Georgians

This cultural history of eighteenth century England explores the world of sex workers, royal scandals, and all manner of immoral behavior.

In Bed with the Georgians reveals the intimate life of Georgian England, where Madams and pimps thrived like never before. It looks at high-class seraglios as well as the brothels, jelly-houses and bagnios which flourished openly, especially in the area around Covent Garden. It looks at courtesans from the highest echelons of society to kept women and common street walkers.

Author Mike Rendell explores how the sex scene was portrayed in contemporary letters and press reports, the role of Grub Street, and the growth of demi-monde celebrity status, with courtesans who flaunted their enormous wealth. In particular, he looks at the way caricaturists satirized the peccadillos of the rich and famous, informing the general public of what their ‘social superiors’ were up to.

Lavishly illustrated, this volume also contains a glossary covering many aspects of the sex trade in Georgian London.