Polly Adler

Polly Adler (1900–1962) was a Russian-born American brothel keeper and memoirist whose Manhattan business became prominent during the early 20th century.

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Frank Costello: Frank Costello was an Italian-American organized-crime leader active in New York City. Adler’s memoir described relationships with powerful figures in New York’s underworld, including Costello.
A House Is Not a Home: A House Is Not a Home is Polly Adler’s 1953 memoir, written with Virginia Faulkner. It is Adler’s account of her life and the basis for much of her later public reputation.
Prostitution in New York City: Prostitution in New York City is the exchange of sexual services for payment within the city’s changing legal and social systems. Adler’s enterprise was a notable instance within the city’s broader sex trade.
Memoir: A memoir is a nonfiction account of selected experiences from an author’s life. Adler used memoir to present her life in her own voice and shape its public meaning.
Texas Guinan: Texas Guinan was an American entertainer and nightclub owner associated with Prohibition-era New York. Guinan and Adler became prominent, contrasting figures in the city’s nightlife economy.
Virginia Faulkner: Virginia Faulkner was an American writer and editor who collaborated on Adler’s memoir. Faulkner helped shape Adler’s recollections into the published narrative.
Brothel: A brothel is a place where sexual services are offered for payment. Adler managed a high-profile example of this type of commercial establishment.
Sex work: Sex work is the provision of sexual services in exchange for payment or other material benefit. Adler’s career remains part of historical discussion about the language and agency of commercial sex.
Mae West: Mae West was an American playwright, performer, and film star known for sexually suggestive comedy. West’s career shows how public performance negotiated sexual commerce and censorship in Adler’s era.
Immigration to the United States: Immigration to the United States is the movement of people from other countries to settle in the country. Adler’s move from the Russian Empire to America belongs to a broader history of migration.