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Researching Madam, MBA
Studies
Published in 1991, this is the most extensive study on the subject of prostitution carried out in Australia. Dr Roberta Perkins conducted the survey on behalf of the Australian Institute of Criminology. It disposes of many misconceptions about the lives and motivations of sex workers.
Books
A powerful and extremely well-written memoir by Kate Holden, a former escort, whose drug addiction led her into prostitution.
Merridy Eastman was a Play School presenter whose acting career stalled. Needing to work, she became a night receptionist in a Sydney brothel. Her account of brothel life is both entertaining and informative.
After hearing a radio interview with Lisa Lou, I bought this book (which came bound with a red satin garter). My copy was in serious need of good editing, but it provided further background.
I bought this book by Jacquelynne Bailey after seeing a TV documentary Why Men Pay For it that it had inspired. It's a fascinating read.
This book by Jeannette Angell was sent to me by a friend who knew I was researching the subject. Angell has a PhD in social athropology. She became a Boston (Mass) callgirl when, destitute, she answered a newspaper ad for an escort. For three years she led a double life, lecturing in the evenings while seeing clients during the day.
Other Sources
Richard Fidler spoke with three brothel owners in this radio interview. I remember sitting in a supermarket carpark jotting down notes as the interview progressed. I found it very educational.
- Australian Federal Police
The PR people were very responsive to my questions on illegal immigration and sexual servitude.
- Newspapers
I received considerable help on how newspapers really operate from a couple of ex-journalists.
- Prostitution
For a brief period, I helped administer an escorts' website, through which I was able to chat to some of the women and gain first-hand accounts of the business.