Don't let the long, academic title fool you. This isn't a textbook. It's a sweeping, ambitious journey. P.L. Jacob, writing in the mid-1800s, sets out to do the impossible: trace the practice of prostitution across every major civilization he knew of, from ancient Babylon and Greece, through the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, and right up to his own Victorian era.

The Story

There's no single plot, but the "story" is the shocking evolution of an idea. Jacob lays out how prostitution was woven into religious rituals in some cultures, regulated by the state in others, and brutally punished in different times and places. He looks at laws, literature, and social customs to paint a picture of how societies have always struggled with this reality. The narrative is the constant push and pull between public need, private morality, and legal control.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book fascinating is the dual lens. You're learning about ancient history, but you're seeing it filtered through a 19th-century mind. Jacob's own biases and the limits of his time are part of the read. It forces you to think about how every era defines "vice" and "virtue." It’s not just about sex work; it’s a mirror held up to power, economics, and the changing status of women throughout history. You'll find yourself constantly comparing his descriptions to modern debates.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who like their facts served with a side of human drama, and for anyone curious about the messy, unspoken rules that shape societies. It's a challenging, perspective-shifting book that reads like an old, secret dossier. Just be ready for the language and views of its time—they're part of what makes it such a compelling historical artifact.