Erotic Exchanges

In Erotic Exchanges, Nina Kushner offers an in-depth look into the world of elite prostitution in 18th-century Paris, focusing on the lives of professional mistresses and their roles within the city's culture. Drawing on detailed police records and historical documents, she explores how these women entered their profession, the nature of their relationships with patrons, and the social and cultural significance of their work. The book presents prostitution as a complex form of labor intertwined with issues of emotion, morality, and societal norms, providing a nuanced perspective on a fascinating episode of history.