Histoire de la prostitution chez tous les peuples du monde depuis l'antiquité la plus reculée jusqu'à nos jours, tome 6/6

This volume offers a scholarly look at how societies have linked the world of intimate commerce with the ever‑changing world of dress. Tracing patterns from the earliest recorded cultures through to the modern era, the author treats clothing as a mirror that reflects prevailing attitudes toward morality, luxury and public behavior. By weaving together legal edicts, religious pronouncements and vivid descriptions of historic fashions, the work shows how what people wore often signaled the health of their private lives.

The narrative zeroes in on French history, especially the flamboyant sixteenth century, where styles such as the poulaine, muguettes and elaborate silk gowns are examined alongside the sumptuary ordinances of kings like Charles VII and Charles IX. The author reveals how royal and ecclesiastical attempts to curb extravagance frequently targeted the moral implications of fashion rather than its material cost. Readers will come away with a nuanced understanding of how the desire for luxury has repeatedly nudged societies toward moral compromise, making the study both a cultural and social history.