The Beggar's Benison: Sex Clubs of Enlightenment Scotland and their Rituals

by David Stevenson

Two clubs thrived in 18th-century Scotland. The Beggar's Benison, starting from local roots in Fife, became large and sprawling, while the Wig Club gave the elite of the Scottish Tory establishment a forum in which to dine and gamble. This book tells the story of these clubs.

Genres: History

266 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

About the author

David Stevenson is Professor Emeritus of Scottish History at the University of St Andrews.

Stevenson was born in Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland and studied in Dublin and Glasgow. He was a lecturer (1970-1980), senior lecturer (1980-1984), and reader Scotland, (1984-1990) at the University of Aberdeen. He was Professor of Scottish History at the University St. Andrews, Scotland (1991-1994), and has been honorary professor Scotland, since 1994. He was Chairman of the Company of Scottish History, 1991-1994.

He was a Member of the Scottish Records Advisory Council, Scotland, 1989-1994.