Mary Gibson Libri

The book explores the evolution of prostitution regulation in Italy from 1860 to 1915, focusing on the Cavour Law, which mandated registration, health checks, and brothel residency for prostitutes. This system aimed to protect public health amidst concerns about venereal diseases. Through detailed profiles of individual women, the author examines the law's impact on their lives and the societal perceptions of prostitution. The narrative also highlights the resistance from early feminists and the eventual liberalization efforts, culminating in the law's repeal in 1958.

The book explores the historical roots of biological determinism in criminology, tracing its origins to Cesare Lombroso's 1876 work, "Criminal Man." Lombroso's theories, influenced by Darwin, suggested that criminals are evolutionary throwbacks, identifiable by specific physical traits. This perspective posits that these individuals are unable to change their criminal tendencies due to their biological makeup, challenging modern views on the nature of crime and its causes.

In 1920s London, three sisters struggle to make ends meet and protect their mother from the violence of their father.

They call them custard tarts—the girls who work at the Pearce Duff custard and jelly factory. But now the custard tarts are up in arms, striking for better conditions. Among them is Nellie Clark, trying to hold her family together after the death of her mother. She has the most desperate struggle to make ends meet, often going hungry to feed her little brothers. Two men vie for Nellie's love. One is flamboyant, confident, and a chancer. The other is steady, truthful, and loyal. But the choice is not as easy as it might seem. Looming over them all—over Bermondsey, over the factory, over the custard tarts and their lives and loves—is the shadow of World War I. And that will change everything and everyone.

Bermondsey 1939 - in the middle of the Blitz. With her home in ruins, May joins the ATS and becomes a gunner girl. Here she finds dangerous work, new friends and rivals - and painful choices in love.

A young girl struggles to keep body and soul together in 1930s London, while her proud but spendthrift widowed father refuses to accept charity.

The inspiring story of one girl's struggle against poverty, hunger and family cruelty, set in 1920s London.

Following the Wall Street Crash, Matty Gilbie flees home from New York to Bermondsey, her acting dreams in tatters and her life in danger from the mob.

Three very different women struggle against incredible hardship in post-war South London.