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The Women of Little Lon

Sex Workers in Nineteenth Century Melbourne
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( 223 ratings, 31 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Women of Little Lon by Barbara Minchinton delves into the intriguing history of the women who lived and worked in the Little Lon district of Melbourne, known for its vibrant and notorious reputation. The book explores the lives and stories of these women, shedding light on the social dynamics and challenges they faced during a transformative period in urban history. Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, it paints a portrait of resilience and community amidst a backdrop of change.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in exploring the gritty, untold stories of women in 19th-century Melbourne's Little Lon district, bringing to life the challenges and resilience of a forgotten community. Its detailed historical narrative and focus on social history provide fascinating insights into the lives of women who shaped a distinctly vibrant and diverse neighbourhood.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A vivid account of a remarkable but little-known chapter in Melbourne's history.

Sex workers in nineteenth-century Melbourne were judged morally corrupt by the respectable world around them. But theirs was a thriving trade, with links to the police and political leaders of the day, and the leading brothels were usually managed by women.

While today a city lane is famously named after Madame Brussels, the identities of the other 'flash madams', the 'dressed girls' who worked for them, and the hundreds of women who solicited on the streets of the Little Lon district of Melbourne are not remembered.

Who were they? What did their daily lives look like? What became of them? Drawing on the findings of recent archaeological excavations, rare archival material, and family records, historian Barbara Minchinton brings the fascinating world of Little Lon to life.

The Women of Little Lon unravels these mysteries, offering a captivating glimpse into an often-overlooked piece of Melbourne's past.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Women of Little Lon by Barbara Minchinton delves into the compelling history of Melbourne's Little Lon district, highlighting the lives of women who forged their paths in this notorious neighbourhood. The book is praised for its detailed research and evocative storytelling, bringing to light lesser-known narratives of female resilience and community amidst social challenges. It resonates with readers interested in historical accounts of women's roles and urban dynamics in Australia.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760642419

Publisher: Black Inc.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 August 2021

Country: Australia

Imprint: La Trobe University Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 233.0mm

Weight: 450g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Barbara Minchinton is a historian and independent researcher. For several years she collaborated with a team of archaeologists on the interpretation of artefacts from Melbourne's Little Lon district. She is the co-editor of The Commonwealth Block, Melbourne, a historical archaeology of the city's working-class and immigrant communities, and the author of The Women of Little Lon.

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  • Madame Brussels
    A must-read biography of an enigmatic personality who helped shape early Melbourne. Madame Brussels, the most legendary brothel keeper in nineteenth-century Melbourne, is still remembered and celebrated today. But until now, little has been known about Caroline Hodgson, the woman behind the alter ego. Born in Prussia to a working-class family, Caroline arrived in Melbourne in 1871. Left alone when...
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  • The Commonwealth Block, Melbourne
    For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Melbourne's Little Lonsdaleβ€”locally known as 'Little Lon'β€”was notorious as a foul slum and brothel district, occupied by the itinerant and the criminal. The stereotype of 'slumdom' defined 'Little Lon' in the minds of Melbournians and became entrenched in Australian literature and popular culture. The Commonwealth Block, Melbourne tells a different story. This...
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