BONS COSTUMES






















The Gentleman's Directory: A Naughty Guidebook for Men of 19th Century NYC: "Before Frommer’s and the Internet, the fine people of 19th century New York City relied on other guides for advice on where to go. The New-York Historical Society recently took out The Gentleman’s Directory, a pocket sized brothels listing, from under lock and key so we can all get a peep.

The 55-paged book published in 1870 gives 'insight into the character and doings of people whose deeds are carefully screened from public view'. 'Not that we imagine the reader will ever desire to visit these houses' wrote the unknown author. 'Certainly not'. The listings were provided so the well-behaved, religious men of New York knew where not to go".

(2011)