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Archiver > ENG-DORSET-LIFE > 2007-01 > 1169201876


From: "Geoff" <>
Subject: Re: [DOR-LIFE] Prostitution in Casterbridge
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 11:17:56 +0100
References: <000001c73bac$bad9ad30$0d5d989e@DunningCo.local>


Hear Hear Ros!

"The Oldest Trade in the World" will continue to exist for ever. Perhaps
not by parading up and down the streets, but using one's charms to gain
advantages will never disappear.

Back to Hardy, I have never seen, read or heard of the strangely clean
'white apron' as a signal to men. Because I don't know doesn't mean it
didn't exist. Showing branches of laurel above the doorway, red lamps, white
sheets (aha?) at the window I've heard of. I must add that I only know about
these things from reading. Unlike beer I have not tasted. I was much too
handsome to actually have to pay.

Fordington was the city of crime Dorchester-wise, that's probably why I
have roots there via Granny Pearce, whose aprons were disgustingly
stew-stained.

Poor old Tom threw his novelist's hand in when the Bishop of Salisbury
burnt "Jude the Obscure" (or was it "Tess ") in public. I'm a bit surprised
that anyone should question the legitimacy of the topic. It's not because
you close your eyes that the bogeyman will go away.

Regards,

Geoff




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