What did women who were attracted to other women do before our open, accepting and politically correct age? Were women brave enough to express their love for one another, either emotionally or physically? Did our ancestors ever indulge in 'illicit' sex? Or did their God-fearing mindset cause them to suppress their less than acceptable desires? And just how did prostitutes of the past pleasure their clients? Whores, Harlots and Wanton Women traces each step in the history of illicit and taboo sex bringing the history of the forbidden alive in a chatty social history. With letters, poems and diary extracts from those in the grip of passion or those disgusted by the exploits of some, the journey from antiquity to modern day is insightful, fascinating and sometimes shocking. The attitudes and peculiarities in society and the often, bizarre paradoxes are explored to reveal a colourful and highly entertaining picture of life on the edge of society.