One of the most interesting recurrent issues at this year's ASECS meeting was the question of history: particularly the methodological differences, as well as the productive common ground, between historians and literary historians. An interdisciplinary panel which brings together different approaches to the figure of the prostitute should provide an ideal opportunity to pursue that methodological debate. The 18thC prostitute has been variously represented and investigated: as independent sexual trades(wo)man; as exploited victim of sexual and economic inequalities; as cultural myth, transgressing public and private, economic and erotic boundaries; and as subject to dehumanising and violent material circumstances. And prostitution remains a fraught issue within modern feminism.
My hope is that contributors will use their papers in part to reflect on the methodological issues raised by their particular approach to prostitution in the period, and that fairly short papers will leave plenty of time for discussion. Queries, suggestions and abstracts (c. 300- 400 words) for short (12- 15 minute) papers welcome, to the email or fax addresses below.
Best wishes, Vivien Jones