On its first publication in 1979, Lejeune's The Gentlemen's Clubs of London rapidly established itself as a widely sought-after and quoted work around the world among those intrigued by and participating in the rarefied world of the famous clubs of London society. This is a new, thoroughly updated edition. This book lays forth the histories of the clubs, why and how each came into being, who belongs and belonged to which, how members are chosen, and how the clubs have changed down the generations - if indeed they have. This work tells of the ambiance and grace of the clubs, their privacies and eccentricities, and of the yarns, disputes and scandals to which they have given rise. Here are new and archival photographs of the clubs' interiors, ranging from the elegant to the snug, premises which are sometimes secret and quirky and sometimes grand, each unique and fitting the character and contributing to the needs and lives of its members.

A compelling history of the famous London club and its members’ impact on Britain’s scientific, creative, and official life When it was founded in 1824, the Athenæum broke the mold. Unlike in other preeminent clubs, its members were chosen on the basis of their achievements rather than on their background or political affiliation. Public rather than private life dominated the agenda. The club, with its tradition of hospitality to conflicting views, has attracted leading scientists, writers, artists, and intellectuals throughout its history, including Charles Darwin and Matthew Arnold, Edward Burne-Jones and Yehudi Menuhin, Winston Churchill and Gore Vidal. This book is not presented in the traditional, insular style of club histories, but devotes attention to the influence of Athenians on the scientific, creative, and official life of the nation. From the unwitting recruitment of a Cold War spy to the welcome admittance of women, this lively and original account explores the corridors and characters of the club; its wider political, intellectual, and cultural influence; and its recent reinvention.

‘As educational as it is enlightening ... Read this’ SARA PASCOE ‘Passionately argued, meticulously researched and angry as hell ... leads the reader beyond the strip club and on to the battlefield where sex workers fight for their rights’ KATE LISTER ‘Deeply impressive ... An important book, sorely needed’ CAROL LEIGH 'An unflinching takedown of inadequate working conditions ... A must read’ JUNO MAC, co-author of Revolting Prostitutes Forget everything you think you know about strippers In this powerful book, Stacey Clare, a stripper with over a decade of experience, takes a detailed look at the sex industry – the reality of the work as well as the history of licensing and regulation, feminist themes surrounding sex work, and stigma. Bringing her personal knowledge of the industry to bear, she offers an unapologetic critique and searing indictment of exploitation, and raises the rights of sex workers to the top of the agenda. The Ethical Stripper rejects notions of victimhood, challenges stigma and shame, and unpacks decades of confusion and contradictions. It’s about the sex-work community’s fight for safety and self-determination, and it challenges you to think twice about every newspaper article, documentary and film you have seen about stripping and sex work.

Enlightenment dawned, sharp and painful in its glaring exactitude. He knew. From the moment she had uttered her true name, he had known that she was not free. So why was he here? Why did he still look at her in that way? Why could she see the adoration in his eyes and the torment in his features? Had he come to say goodbye? To leave her to this fate? CONFUSED AND CHASTENED following her cruel rejection of Mr Darcy's proposal, Elizabeth Bennet returns to her aunt's home in Gracechurch Street. Unable to find solace while pondering her terrible misjudgment of his character, she is overwhelmed with guilt for how she treated the puzzling gentleman from Derbyshire. Fitzwilliam Darcy has retreated to his London home after being spurned by the lady he loves, and after serious reflection has come to the realisation that he never deserved Elizabeth's good opinion. A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH MR DARCY brings Elizabeth the opportunity to seek forgiveness, and possibly, a new start to their budding romance. But the introduction of a stranger into Elizabeth's life threatens to reveal old family secrets that have the potential to truly unravel her world and all that she holds dear.

On passing through a certain curtain and a certain door, pleasure, pain and titillation could be enjoyed in the company of ladies who returned the virile salute of desire with the same enthusiasm in which it was given. They wielded power over men, whether in domination or submission, and embraced the exquisite surrender of being watched by many eyes. Lord MacCaulay becomes obsessed with the mysterious Mademoiselle Noire, despite suffering the ultimate humiliation at her hands. His pursuit of her brings about a descent from which there may be no escape. The novella unfolds through a series of fantasy tableaux scenes (explicitly sexual) with an underlying theme of obsessive love.

Wanting You to Want Me is a collection of anonymous stories from the world of London strip clubs, documented by the women themselves. The stories range from behind-the-scenes conversations in the changing rooms, to dancefloor and private room etiquette, from emotional and intellectual connections between dancer and client, to the often-blurred boundaries that exist in between. Journalist Emily Dinsdale and filmmaker Bronwen Parker-Rhodes have collected images and stories from the women working in the London strip clubs over several years. Having been part of the industry themselves, they have a unique and intimate access to the seldom-heard stories, giving voice to an age-old industry, from the perspective of the traditionally voiceless workers. Supported by original, behind the scenes photography from the authors, these narratives express vulnerability, empowerment, curiosity and the complexity and duplicity of relationships--in short, what it is to be human.

Peter Stringfellow is the most famous nightclub owner in the world, proprietor of Stringfellow's in London's West End and many more. His life story is not only a classic rags-to-riches tale but one which documents the rise and fall of every musical trend since popular music began. He was born to the sound of falling German bombs in 1940 and built his dreams out of the rubble of the Sheffield blitz. He has survived two divorces, the New York mafia and bankruptcy, and this biography is peppered with anecdotes about the rich and famous. Forthright and humorous, it recounts how a steelworker's son ended up with his name in lights on both sides of the Atlantic.