The origins of the modern sex doll are shrouded in myth.
Some say they came from crafty sailors in the 18th century, a long way from home and in need of, ahem, company.
In today's episode, Kate is joined by Bo Ruberg, author of Sex Dolls At Sea: Imagined Histories of Sexual Technologies to uncover the truth.
How were early sex dolls used to smuggle booze into Paris? What do the sex doll myths reveal about ourselves? And why is there such stigma around them compared to other sex toys?
This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.
Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Get a subscription for £1 per month for 3 months with code BETWIXT sign up at https://historyhit/subscription/
You can take part in our listener survey here.
Dick Pics: The History
Shakespeare's Sex Life
Anne Lister: The First Modern Lesbian?
Victorian Pregnancy & Childbirth: The Untold History
The Pre-Raphaelites: Art & Sexual Liberation
A History of Queer Women
The Rise of Celebrity Culture
The Giggling Granny serial killer
The Real Queen Charlotte
Molly Houses
Murder in the Roman World
Witch Hunts of Scotland
Perfume
Coronation Fashion: Crowns, Orbs & Pubic Wigs
Incest
Pop's Golden Era: Success & Scandal
Human Emotion
The Pirates' Code
Heirs, Affairs & Exiles: The Powderham Scandal
Victorian Wardrobe Secrets
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Gone Medieval
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Not Just the Tudors
Dan Snow’s History Hit
History Extra podcast