The Happy Hooker: My Own Story

By Xaviera Hollander

The 30th anniversary edition of one of the modern classics of the sexual revolution—with a new Afterword by the author.

An international phenomenon upon its initial publication in 1972, The Happy Hooker established Xaviera Hollander—previously the most powerful madam in New York City—as the world's best-known observer and commentator on sexual issues. A racy account of her life behind the brothel door, The Happy Hooker became an instant classic that marked the intersection between the Playboy generation and the sexual revolution of the feminist era. Hollander left no vice unturned, covering lesbianism, bondage, and other sexual appetites with a frank tone that left the reader with no doubt that they were listening to a master…or mistress, as it were.

Now restored gloriously to print in a first-ever trade paperback edition, The Happy Hooker will reintroduce a whole new generation to the carefree days of swinging in the '60s and '70s.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jul 26, 2011
• ISBN: 9780062116611

Xaviera Hollander

Xaviera Hollander's first book, The Happy Hooker, was published in 1972; since then it has been translated into fifteen languages and sold millions of copies around the world. Hollander began writing the column Call Me Madam in Penthouse that same year -- a role she fulfills to this day -- and has been named the magazine's most popular columnist. Now a promoter of the arts in her native Holland and the author of more than a dozen books, she divides her time between Spain and Amsterdam.

Reviews for The Happy Hooker

[ericcostello-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Probably more about the operations of the world's oldest profession than you might want to know; and some of it like to be taken with a grain of salt. Still, perversely (!) entertaining in its own way.

[kitten0a0gogo · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Found this book to be interesting but did not have much depth to it... great short read for a bus trip i was on but didnt have much interest to keep it after that... Good for a one time read well written and definately from a one person perspective... Good look into a world that exists that many of us have little knowledge of

[jennysbookbag.com · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

My aunt told me about this book and said "don't ever read it" so of course I had to read it.

[theoriginaldork · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love the story of how I found this book: I was at the campus library book sale my freshman year of college and I was searching through the tables for anything promising looking. A woman with an Eastern-European accent who looked to be in her mid-40s handed me a copy of this book and told me I would like it. Yes - I bought a book recommended to me by some random stranger who I'd never seen before or since.The book itself is hilariously trashy. This book was reprinted a few years ago, but apparently the new edition omits a few choice scenes. You'll have to search around for the '70s version if you want to get the full effect.