"The prostitution industry is one of the most important aspects in the development of the American West. Often overlooked, disregarded or hidden due to its racy connotations, the "oldest profession" fueled the economies of camps, towns, and cities as they grew. Sex workers, from common prostitutes to reigning madams like Mattie Blaylock, Maggie Wood, and Big Ann Wynne, defied social norms to make sure their hometowns, and themselves, were successful. Their reasons for entering the life varied, from those who could find no other way to make money to women who desired independence and wealth. In return they were ostracized, criticized, and subject to fines, jail, disease, drug addiction, violence and unwanted pregnancies. While their success stories are many, others failed in their endeavors, their names buried with them when they died. Behind Brothel Doors chronicles the history of the nineteenth-century sex work industry in the Great Plains states of Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma"-- Provided by publisher.

Concubines of Kansas --Wicked Wichita -- Jezebels of Junction City -- Caldwell's Maggie Wood -- Dodge City's demimonde -- Mattie Blaylock, little girl lost -- The story of Squirrel Tooth Alice -- Naughty Nebraska -- The adventures of Octavia Reeves -- Ornery Omaha -- Anna Wilson, queen of the underworld -- Awful Annie Cook -- The naughty nymphs of North Platte -- The shady ladies of Lincoln -- Outrageous Oklahoma -- Ardmore's wild women -- The giddy girls of Guthrie -- Hell's half acre in Oklahoma City -- Big Anne Wynn -- Pauline Lambert of Tulsa.