R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 9/29/2021 + 1438 more book reviews

This book gives the reader an overview of prostitution and the women involved during a period when there was little opportunity for women to support themselves as people moved west into the mining and rowdy towns populated by men. Women were welcome but to survive most turned to prostitution.

Many were glamorous, others plain, some were good and caring but others were as wild as the communities in which they lived. Wonderful photos of numerous illustrious women embellish this read. And, I particularly liked the cover of a very young beautiful red haired young woman representing the youth and beauty of those entering the profession.

The author introduces "Molly b' Dam", Mattie Silks, and "Chicago Joe" among others who became a part of the old west. Wonderful photos of Calamity Jane and the man she loved, Wild Bill Hickok, are included. The author states that her love was not reciprocated. Wild Bill considered her a friend. Nevertheless she was buried next to him.

Some women chose suicide as a way to leave their desolate and lonely lives. A few married but rarely were the new wives accepted as a respectable part of the community. Many became madams operating their own establishments with great success. However, few kept the wealth they earned into their later years. Life was tough but fun while it lasted for it ended all too soon for most who pursued this profession.

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