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The Covent Garden Ladies
- Narrated by: Hallie Rubenhold
- Length: 10 hrs and 26 mins
- Categories: History, Europe
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Fantastic!
- By MedeaViolia on 18-11-20
Summary
The book that inspired BBC 2’s Harlots, now with a new preface read by the author.
From the best-selling author of The Five.
1757 - Harris's List of Covent Garden Ladies, a salacious publication detailing the names and 'specialties' of the capital's prostitutes, eventually became one of the 18th century's most successful literary works as well as an essential accessory for any serious gentleman of pleasure.
Beyond its titillating passages lay a glimpse into the sex lives of those who lived and died by the list's profits during the Georgian era.
The Covent Garden Ladies tells the story of three unusual characters whose colourful lives were brought together by this publication.
Its story plunges the listener down the dark alleys of 18th-century London's underworld, a realm populated by tavern owners, pimps, punters, card sharks and, of course, a colourful range of prostitutes and brothel keepers.
Critic reviews
"Rubenhold proves herself both a keen researcher and a writer who understands narrative tension...a compelling and ingenious book." (The Independent)
"Scrupulously researched and cleverly structured.... Among the scurrilous tales of 18th-century low life...this one is the most intriguing." (The Daily Telegraph)
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What listeners say about The Covent Garden Ladies
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Mr Chops
- 27-10-19
Too repetitive
I only got the chapter 4, but got bored by hearing the same info repeated in a slightly different way, over and over. For instance : Samuel was supposed to become a Draper but wanted to be a poet. I know repetition is an often employed technique in cheap tv documentaries but personally I find the style tedious, others may not notice it.
10 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 18-01-20
Dull
I was really hoping I would enjoy this book, as I loved Hallie Rubens other book, The Five. This started quite well but became tedious as it just turned into an account of prostitutes. It felt like it was literally just being read out from an old account book. Not for me still have 5 hrs listing left on this but think I will pass.
6 people found this helpful
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- Samantha cross
- 12-10-19
Interesting and emotional
A book that pulls you in to care about the characters in the list and their lives . It’s an insight into a world that is brushed over by history. I would recommend this read
2 people found this helpful
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- Zara612
- 01-10-20
Fascinating story of 18th c underworld
The narration was beautiful but not so well edited as it changed volume and texture at random intervals. But the book itself was a fascinating read, a surprising history of a group of people whose voices you’d never normally hear.
1 person found this helpful
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- Nathalie P
- 23-09-20
3 stars
An interesting book, but unfortunately as there is scarce information on the lives of the Ladies, the author had to focus on the better recorded histories of the two men who created the List. This is a shame, because their stories aren't half as interesting as any of women mentioned. I really didn't need to hear whole chapters on Samuel Derrick's pre-London life. As an audiobook, the narrator is excellent, and it was a pleasure to listen to.
1 person found this helpful
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- Inna Barneva
- 24-08-20
worth the money
Lovely book, very interesting. Very captivating story and the narration was good . Definitely recommend
1 person found this helpful
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- J. Webb
- 20-01-21
Fascinating history
I found this book fascinating. An in-depth study of the prostitutes, pimps, pubs and theatres around Covent Garden in the mid to late 18th century. Hogarth’s period is brought vividly to life. It also gives a real insight into the lives of the poor in the period; particularly the virtually non-existent choice of occupation open to many girls and women living in London.