Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul

Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul
reviewed on + 44 more book reviews


This book was flat-out fun to read, although about 50 pages too long. Set in the early 1900's in Chicago, the author traces the evolution of perhaps the world's most exclusive brothel (admittance by invitation only or letter of reference, with in essence a $50 cover charge), the rise of indignation about immorality, the actions - or inactions - of the politicians, the corruption among the local law enforcement members, and the events that tie all the stakeholders together. The glimpse afforded of the inner workings of a brothel was fascinating, the exploitation of women by women sad and disturbing.

Best read with a companion nearby for the sharing of fun facts and quotes.