A Zagat Guide by any other name...

Falling squarely into the "you don't believe it until you hold it in your hands" category, I offer the following gem: Ranger's Impartial List of the Ladies of Pleasure in Edinburgh, With a Preface by a Celebrated Wit (privately published, 1775). It was published anonymously, but is attributed to James Tytler (first person in Britain to go up in a hot air balloon and pharmacists/apothecary (he wrote a noted volume on Yellow Fever...oh, and was an editor for the second edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica). This work, however, was more of a labor of...er...love, to wit:

Miss Jenny Kilpatrick, at Miss Adams's
This Lady is about 26 years of age, tall, black hair, aquiline nose, good teeth, and pretty good natured. She has great merit in her profession, and knows all the paces used in the race of Venus to a nicety. Cupid was early her instructor; and a very apt scholar she has turned out. She was at first frighted at the dart; but as she is now thoroughly acquainted with it, she will hug and kiss it, an put it nearest her heart, even in the very centre of nature.

Miss Shepherd, at Miss Adams's
This Lady is about 20, middle sized, dark brown hair, pale complexion, and tolerable good-natured. Although she is but young, she is pretty much worn in the service, and is no novice at the game, as she generally gives large oblations at the Holy Shrine, and with the greatest devotion.

The volume includes a fold-out map of Edinburgh showing the locations of the 50ish Ladies included in the directory. The original is a very scarce wee tome, but a facsimile reproduction in 1978 and can be found here and there. The preface to the facsimile states, "It is widely believed that the author planned a follow-up publication dealing with the ladies of Glasgow but that he was so exhausted by the preparation of the book..."

The book itself ends with:

In a few Weeks will be published, An impartial list of all the private Ladies that pays sacrifices to Venus, such as th Milliners, Mantua-maker's, Servant Maids, and others who have not as yet graced this List; to which will be added, some very curious songs, and a few sentimental toasts. FINIS.

Sadly (perhaps), it appears this subsequent volume was not produced...or didn't survive.

A truly wonderfully horrid little tome. I think I am going to give them as gifts next holiday season.