This is a pioneering study that examines the sale of sex in classical Athens from a commercial (rather than from a cultural or moral) perspective. Following the author's earlier book on Athenian banking, this work analyzes erotic business at Athens in the context of the Athenian economy. For the Athenians, the social acceptability and moral standing of human labor was largely determined by the conditions under which work was performed. Pursued in a context characteristic of servile endeavor, prostitution--like all forms of slave labor--was contemptible. Pursued under conditions appropriate to non-servile endeavor, prostitution--like all forms of free labor--was not violative of Athenian work ethics. As a mercantile activity, however, prostitution was not untouched by Athenian antagonism toward commercial and manual pursuits; as the "business of sex," prostitution further evoked negativity from segments of Greek opinion uncomfortable with any form of carnality. Yet ancient sources also adumbrate another view, in which the sale of sex, lawful and indeed pervasive at Athens, is presented alluringly. In a book that will be of interest to all students of sex and gender, to economic, legal and social historians, and to classicists, the author explores the high compensation earned by female sexual entrepreneurs who often controlled prostitutional businesses that were perpetuated from generation to generation on a matrilineal basis, and that benefitted from legislative restrictions on pimping. The author juxtaposes the widespread practice of "prostitution pursuant to written contract" with legislation targeting male prostitutes functioning as governmental leaders, and explores the seemingly contradictory phenomena of extensive sexual exploitation of slave prostitutes (male and female) coexisting with Athenian society's pride in its legislative protection of slaves and minors against sexual outrage.

About the Author
Edward E. Cohen is Professor of Classical Studies and Ancient History (Adjunct) at the University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews
Not only does Cohen for the first time effectively situate Athenian prostitution within its economic and legal context, he challenges many traditional assumptions about citizenship, gender and sexuality along the way. The result is a much more nuanced account of Athenian society and how marginal members, particularly women and slaves, helped to shape it. * Laura K. McClure, Journal of Hellenic Studies *
Cohen's book is an excellent study with a focus on the practical aspects of prostitution and a careful weighing of the available evidence. Anyone with an interest in ancient sex work, and with enough of a background in ancient Greece, will find this book extremely useful. * Stephanie Lynn Budin, American Historical Review *
This book is an excellent introduction to the topic of Athenian prostitution and will inevitably provide much fodder for discussion. It should be read by all students and scholars interested in Greek sex, law, and the economy. * Deborah Kamen, CJ-Online *
And then there's Athenian Prostitution: The Business of Sex by polymath University of Pennsylvania professor Edward E. Cohen (Oxford University Press, $74), a convincing picture of a trade where women were often the tight-fisted, class-conscious, and successful purveyors of companionship and sexual service. * Joe DiStefano, Philadelphia Inquirer *
Every new book by Edward E. Cohen is an event and Athenian Prostitution is no exception to the rule. The originality of this work is to offer an unprecedented economic approach to the question of prostitution in fourth-century BCE Athens. Among others, it reveals that citizens, and not slaves only, could be prostitutes, despite the social opprobrium attached to this activity. The book thus exposes an aspect of ancient Athenian society that has been completely neglected so far. Well written, with many colorful and striking passages, from beginning to end the book proves to be a fascinating reading. * Alain Bresson, The University of Chicago *
An important and fascinating study of both male and female prostitution in Athens in all its aspects: economic, legal, social, and ideological. Athenian Prostitution should be read by anyone interested in the ancient economy, Athenian social history, ancient law, and the history of sexuality. * Adriaan Lanni, Harvard Law School *
Although the cultural aspects of prostitution in ancient Greece have been well covered by others, Cohen attempts to explore its commercial aspects via bold, fresh scholarship.... Taking a sensitive topic into a new scholarly direction marks Cohen's work as an important addition to the field of antiquity. Essential."-Choice
Although the cultural aspects of prostitution in ancient Greece have been well covered by others, Cohen attempts to explore its commercial aspects via bold, fresh scholarship. Taking a sensitive topic into a new scholarly direction marks Cohen's work as an important addition to the field of antiquity. Essential. * CHOICE *
An authoritative study, highly recommended for its clear writing, depth of analysis and density of interest...Cohen brilliantly demonstrates how prostitution infiltrated all aspects of Greek culture. * Times Literary Supplement *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190889500
Author Edward E. Cohen
Format Paperback
Page Count 266
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 386g
Dimensions(mm) 231mm * 155mm * 18mm