The book uses extensive direct quotes from both men and women, as well as field notes from the authors based on their observations in the red light area. Topics covered in the book include women's negotiations with clients, HIV, drug use, and violence. The book also describes the impact of working as a prostitute on women's home life. Rather than moralizing about prostitution, the authors concentrate on the experiences of men and women involved in buying and selling sex. Book chapters specifically focus on methods used to contact female prostitutes and male clients, operation of the red light area, working patterns of women, methods of establishing initial control in client negotiations, the impact of drug use on street prostitution, client backgrounds, violence associated with the street prostitution scene, and the delivery of appropriate services to prostitutes. 127 references, 8 tables, and 1 figure