A secret ledger hidden in the archives of the Parisian police and containing the criminal files of a group of prostitutes labelled 'the Undominated' has been revealed. Under Napoleon, prostitution became legal in France and the booklet arranges the various courtesans in Paris by district for ease for the potential customer. Five years later, Paris alone had 180 officially approved brothels. However the nineteenth century also saw courtesans become extraordinarily wealthy and famous - and opulent brothels such as le Chabanais were built. As 'The Pretty Women of Paris' directory shows, many of the prostitutes listed were professional stage actresses.

Source: The Nation June 29, 2021 16:52 UTC