Editorial Review

Laramie, Wyoming, is a complicated town that has only become more so since the infamous murder of a gay University of Wyoming student named Matt Shepard on a lonely dirt road in October 1998. A university town in the middle of one of the country's most rural, poor, and conservative states, it was unwittingly thrown into the middle of the nation's debates over homosexuality and hate crimes. While "Laramie didn't kill Matt," as University of Wyoming professorBeth Loffreda writes, "It might let us see how the politics of sexuality--perhaps now the most divisive issue in America's 'culture wars'--plays out in a forgotten corner of the country." As an insider and an outsider (she is the straight advisor to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Association and a state newcomer clearly in love with her surroundings), Loffreda approaches the complex questions the media, with their pack mentality, overlooked or shied away from using her own local but not provincial perspective. Why did Matt's death, which was one of 33 anti-gay murders that year, grip the nation? Why did none of the seven bias crimes bills proposed in Wyoming after the murder pass? What is the experience of being homosexual in a state with not a single gay gathering place to speak of and most people too afraid to be out? What happens when emotion--rather than action--is the only response to a hate crime? And how should Matt be remembered? Read more

Reviews (16)

A lot of things found...
Like "The Laramie Project", this book is about Laramie, and the larger society of the prairie and mountain West of Noorth America. It is not a biography of Matthew Shepard, nor is it remotely intended to be. That reflects a deliberate decision to respect not only his privacy, but also that of a lot of his friends and relatives who have wanted to keep their memories of Matt to themselves. This can be debated: in the end Romaine patterson and Judy Shepard have thought they do him a better service by trying to tell what he was like as a man, so that he doesn't get lost in various agendas requiring him to be either a plaster saint, or a irresponsible adventurer if not worse).
Reclaiming Laramie
Those looking for a journalistic treatment of this subject, exposing sensational details and vivid personalities, will be disappointed in this book. It is an even-handed, somewhat reserved reflection on the events that swept the people of Laramie, Wyoming, into the national spotlight when Matt Shepard was murdered in October 1998. While there are several themes in the book, the chief one is the hysteria of the national media, which transformed the story of a young man's beating and death into a horrific hate crime, with all the over-simplification, instant analysis, and easy generalizations of highly competitive news organizations. Understanding the vast complexity of the social context that the murder emerged from and its meaning in terms of the people who make up the fabric of that community have been left for more thoughtful observers, writers and thinkers like the author, who can with greater knowledge, sensitivity, and analytical abilities address the central question, what REALLY happened? Prissy, scolding tone
I was disappointed. Having heard that the writer, an English professor, had approached her project like a reporter--that she had interviewed Laramie townspeople and M.S.'s fellow students and had quoted them extensively--I was hoping that the town and campus would come alive on the page, like they would in the hands of a good novelist. Doesn't happen. All the voices she quotes sound interchangeable (the quotes sound cleaned up), and the characterizations are watery, indistinct. She's no Janet Malcolm. The other weakness is the author's prissy, scolding tone, in which she appears, annoyingly, every few paragraphs, invariably announcing her appearance with "It seemed to me..." constructions, all of which end with her officiously correcting some misconception that has seized (a) the people of Laramie, or (b) the people outside of Laramie. All of which would be tolerable if she had anything genuinely original to say. But she didn't. It's the same tired postmodern, deconstructionist-era, gender/sexuality-is-a-social-construction rap you've heard a million times. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Gay Studies    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Sociology    6. Literary Criticism & Collections / Gay & Lesbian   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Gay & Lesbian    4. Individual Artist    5. Art / Individual Artist    6. Other prose: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. Gay & Lesbian    2. Gays' writings    3. General    4. History and criticism    5. Homosexuality and literature    6. Homosexuality in literature    7. Literary Criticism    8. Literature    9. Literature - Classics / Criticism    10. Reference    11. Sexuality In Literature    12. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    13. Literary Criticism & Collections / Gay & Lesbian    14. Literary studies: general    15. Literature of special Gay & Lesbian interest   

Reviews (5)

Colm Tóibín, May His Tribe Increase!
Once captured by the liquid, informed prose of Colm T�ib�n it is difficult to ignore anything this brilliant writer has written.Still under the spell of 'The Master' and having just sadly finished 'The Story of the Night' (that novel could have been extended another 300 pages!), it seemed only appropriate to read an investigative work, just to see how this man's mind absorbs and dissects the world of reality instead the one of fiction.
LOVE THAT ILLUMINATES
Colm Toibin's "Love in a Dark Time" is a superior group of essays by one gay writer about other gay writers. What distinguishes this 2001 collection is how effectively Toibin sells the work of each figure essayed. I was never interested in James Baldwin before, but after reading Toibin's take, I ran out and enjoyed two Baldwin books. In the piece on Thomas Mann, we see how many of his male infatuations Mann turned into art--which infatuations into which stories--a subject being studied in detail only now by his biographers. And in the profile of Pedro Almodovar, we meet the Spanish torch singer Chavela Vargas, whom Almodovar rescued from obscurity because her confessional art mirrored so closely the values of his own cinema of women. A wonderful collection of essays that illuminate, indeed sell, each subject.

An intriguing collection of essays
In this series of essays, Colm T�ib�n explores the lives of nine artists whose homosexuality greatly influenced their art, and whose art greatly influenced their lives. He writes about Oscar Wilde, Thomas Mann, Thom Gunn, Pedro Almod�var, James Baldwin, Roger Casement, Elizabeth Bishop, Mark Doty, and Francis Bacon (with a final essay about Catholic Ireland and how it is changing, with references to Miche�l Mac Liamm�ir and Cathal � Searchaigh). T�ib�n writes about not only their lives and art, but also the challenge and limitation of being labeled a "gay artist". These essays are fascinating and illuminating, and are a welcome addition to literary criticism, especially since it's a fellow writer bringing an interesting view to the canon. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. American - General    3. Gay & Lesbian    4. Gay Studies    5. Gays' writings    6. Gender Studies    7. History and criticism    8. Homosexuality in literature    9. Literary Criticism    10. Literature, Modern    11. Men In Literature    12. Sexuality In Literature    13. Literary Criticism & Collections / General    14. Literary studies: general    15. Literature of special Gay & Lesbian interest    16. Literature: History & Criticism    17. Men's studies    18. Sexual behaviour   

Subjects:  1. Bio-bibliography    2. Biography    3. Dictionaries    4. Gay & Lesbian    5. Lesbian authors    6. Lesbianism    7. Lesbians    8. Lesbians' writings    9. Literary Criticism    10. Literature - Classics / Criticism    11. Literary Criticism & Collections / Gay & Lesbian    12. Literature of special Lesbian interest    13. Reference works   

Reviews (10)

A fabulous reading
This book is probably the best book on how to ground and use Foucault in relation to contemporary social movement politics - an incredibly important rejoinder to the depoliticized, sterile versions of Foucault that do the rounds today in British sociology departments etc.Halperin is one of the best (and certainly most entertaining) readers of the History of SexualityVols 2 & 3.Do yourself a favour & get it!

An Outstanding Classic!
This is the best book I have ever read on Foucault, no contest--though one must be clear that Halperin is EXPLICITLY NOT attempting any general and comprehensive explanation of Foucault's life work and thought, which Halperin makes quite clear, though there seems to be some confusion below regarding this point.In fact, the tone of some of the reviews only serve as a demonstration of some of Halperin's points.
Wonderful Book!
I thought Halperin's book was great. What I can't believe is the reaction his book has gotten from the other reviewers. You would think that of all people Foucault fans would not be homophobic or heterosexist -- and yet this is common with heterosexuals interested in Foucault. They often say, "It's what he said that is important, not what he was." As if there were a difference, which, of course, there is not. Straight people often attempt to colonize gay thinkers (Wittegnstein, for example), and the first thing they do is hide from others the sexual orientation of these thinkers as much as they can. Then, when someone mentions how awful gay people are based on what he or she saw from skewed footage of a Pride parade on the news, do these colonists ever say, "Well, not all gay people are silly and frivolous: look at Foucault, look at Wittgenstein, look at Alan Turing, and a whole host of other famous minds." No, they keep quite about all that and nod their heads in agreement. Tisk. Tisk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay & Lesbian    2. Gay Studies    3. History & Surveys - Modern    4. Literary Criticism    5. Philosophy    6. Semiotics & Theory    7. Biography: general    8. Gay & Lesbian studies    9. Literature/English | World Literature | Literary Criticism    10. Social Science / Gay Studies    11. Western philosophy, from c 1900 -   

Reviews (1)

A revolutionary look at queer politics
This anthology of writings on GLBT politics is certainly not the first nor will it be the last such title, but the scope of collected writings is impressive.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Gay & Lesbian    3. Gay Studies    4. Gay liberation movement    5. Gay men's writings, American    6. Gender Studies    7. History    8. Lesbian Studies    9. Lesbians' writings, American    10. Literary Criticism    11. United States   

Reviews (1)

Excellent collection of mostly out of print titles
The collection gives a sampling of classic novels and a wee bit of background on each. Reading it has made me seek out the selected author's titles. A wonderful addition to anyone's library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Fiction    3. Gay & Lesbian    4. History    5. History and criticism    6. Homosexuality and literature    7. Lesbian    8. Lesbians' writings, American    9. Literature - Classics / Criticism    10. Paperbacks    11. Popular American Fiction    12. Publishing    13. United States    14. Fiction anthologies & collections    15. Literature of special Lesbian interest    16. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (3)

Insight into the relationship between two remarkable people
How wonderful to read about the emotions of what is sometimes considered to be "deviant" love.I believe they would each be honored to know that their true relationship is public and, for the most part, thatpeople are touched by their genuine caring for each other.I highlyrecommend this book, especially for those people who find it hard tounderstand relationships between same-sex couples.

Brilliant!
What a hoot!Kay Turner has done it again, producing a book that's both entertaining and eye-opening -- a delightful-as-usual combination of the scholarly and hilarious. Brava! A wonderful gift for and/or from yergirlfriend.

Gertrude and Alice Get Real!
Just imagine having your love notes found, analyzed and published for the world to see? Well, this is it. One of the world's most famous and iconic couples' lyrical notes to each other are here for all to share. Should ithave been done? Some may say 'no', but considering the fact that they areby Stein, one of the most well-known, unread writers in history, andToklas, whose place in history largely hinges on her hashish fudge, I'd say'why not?' These ladies have long been used to public curiosity andscrutiny and became household names during their 1934-35 visit to the US.The introductory essay alone, though scholarly, is worth the price ofadmission---"Having a cow" will take on a whole new meaning inyour vocabulary! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Gay & Lesbian    3. Literary    4. Literary Criticism    5. Literature: Classics    6. Specific Groups - Lesbians    7. Literary Criticism & Collections / Gay & Lesbian   

Reviews (4)

Discovering a forgotten Hero of the Harlem Renaissance
Richard Bruce Nugent was the son of two black parents,his father was an entertainer and his mother was a member of one of the leading black Washington D.C. families of the day.Nugent was out of the closet at 19 years of age, black and proud and proud to be gay and unconventionally bohemian.
Comprehensive tribute to a remarkable cultural figure
"Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance: Selections from the Work of Richard Bruce Nugent" is edited by Thomas H. Wirth, who also wrote the introduction.Also included is a foreword by Henry Louis Gates Jr.Over 300 pages long, this book offers a comprehensive and compelling look at Nugent (1906-1987).In his foreword Gates writes that Nugent was "boldly and proudly gay" and that he "linked the black world of the Harlem Renaissance with the gay world of bohemian New York." Persuasive reestablishment of a formidable artist!
Exciting, thorough, and amazingly generous, Wirth brings to life a most beguiling participant in the Harlem Renaissance. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American arts    2. African American gays    3. American - African-American    4. Art    5. Gay & Lesbian    6. Gay men    7. General    8. Individual Artist    9. Literary collections    10. Racially mixed people    11. Sociology    12. American English    13. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    14. Individual artists    15. Literary studies: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. 1953-    2. American - General    3. Cooper, Dennis,    4. Criticism and interpretation    5. Gay & Lesbian    6. Literary Criticism    7. English    8. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -    9. USA   

Reviews (4)

Brilliant papyrologist, Not as brilliant a literary critic.
The late D.L. Page's talents were certainly in creating solid, serviceable texts, such as his work with Aeschylus, the Poetarum Lesbiorum Fragmenta, etc.His exegesis of textual problems in this text is still remarkably useful, and provides the scholar with adequate information to proceed in an informed manner when working with the text.As far as a literary critic, Page has always been less than creative, looking at things with a rather prosaic lense.His interpretation of Alcaeus fr. 357 (LP Z34, V 140) is foolishly literal, and fails to contribute anything to the understanding of the piece.His wide reading and abilities with the language itself more than make up for his shortcomings, making this an essential book to have for suggestions that point the reader towards parallel passages, and as survey of the textual corruption/emendation in the selection of poems contained within.

An Introduction to the Study of Ancient Lesbian Poetry
[As that is the subtitle of this book.(Take note "Lesbian" is a historical and geographical appellation, not a sexual one.)] An Introduction to the Study of Ancient Lesbian Poetry
[As that is the subtitle of this book.(Take note "Lesbian" is a historical and geographical appellation, not a sexual one.)]Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient and Classical    2. Gay & Lesbian    3. International    4. Law    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Ancient (Classical) Greek    7. Classical Studies | Literary Criticism    8. Literary Criticism & Collections / Ancient & Classical    9. Poetry & poets: classical, early & medieval    10. Works by individual poets: classical, early & medieval   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Europe - France    3. European - French    4. French literature    5. Gay & Lesbian    6. Gay Studies    7. History and criticism    8. Homosexuality in literature    9. Lesbianism in literature    10. Literature - Classics / Criticism    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. France    14. French    15. Gay & Lesbian studies    16. Literary studies: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. Gay & Lesbian    2. Gay Studies    3. Gender Studies    4. Literary Criticism    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Reviews (1)

amazing
This is one of the best works of "post-" theory that I've read, and the essay on paranoia is a much-needed light in the haze of contemporary grad school education.My copy is dog-eared and dirty and filled with underlined passages / scrawled notes to myself (mostly reading "YES!" or "come back to this"). Sedgwick's essays are brilliant, quirky, challenging, and deeply moving.I really can't find words sufficient for my experience -- this is certainly one of the most synaesthetic and vertigo-inducing books I've read in a long time.The final essay, in particular, continues to call me back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays    2. Gay & Lesbian    3. Gay Studies    4. Literary Criticism    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Gay & Lesbian studies   

Subjects:  1. Gay & Lesbian    2. Gender Studies    3. Gothic revival (Literature)    4. Great Britain    5. History and criticism    6. Horror tales, English    7. Literary Criticism    8. Literature - Classics / Criticism    9. United States    10. Literary studies: general   

Reviews (1)

A Quick Read
Watt examines four famous characters from Western literature who have been reincarnated numerous times: Faust, Don Quixote, Don Juan, and Robinson Crusoe.He treats each individually in the first half of the book, andmakes comparisions and discusses recent reworkings in the second half.Thedepth and breadth of Watt's knowledge of his four myths is readilyapparent.Still, though, it's an easy read, intended perhaps for thenon-expert.Even if you haven't read the original works yourself, it'seasy to follow.The book hints at provocative issues in the creation andmeaning of myth as well as "individualism," though Watt'stheoretical musings aren't as rewarding or complete as his close analysisof the four figures.The work of history and translation on thetransformation of myth is a fascinating subject, but Watt's book suggestsfar more questions than it answers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. European - General    2. Gay & Lesbian    3. Literary Criticism    4. Literature - Classics / Criticism    5. Europe    6. Literary Criticism & Collections / European    7. Literary studies: 16th to 18th centuries    8. Literature, Comparative - Themes, motives    9. Spanish   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

Not for everyone
This is a very dry, dense, academic book that attempts to analyze what the author refers to as "sodomitical activity" in the golden age of piracy based on source documents original to the period. It is slow reading, and if you're looking for lurid gay sex and rampant queerness among pirates, just stick to Pirates of the Caribbean slashfic because it's not in here. Pleasure and pain on the sea
A very pleasant description of sexual life, fun and murder offshore which we may all identify with. Warmly recommended as easter cosy reading or afairy tale for older kids. The agony of adolescence well catered for.

Deconstructionist Rubbish
Some people may enjoy rewriting history to suit modern prejudices; I find it revolting, and this book is a perfect example of the phenomenon. It is at best a poorly organized and incomplete review of the era of piracy; atworst, it is a pathetic attempt to impose the author's misconceived ideason reality. Avoid it at all costs, for it is garbage. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Gender Studies    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Homosexuality in literature    6. Maritime History    7. Men's Studies - General    8. Pirates    9. Pirates in literature    10. Sexual behavior    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. Crime & criminology    14. Cultural studies    15. Literary Criticism & Collections / Gay & Lesbian    16. Men's studies   

Editorial Review

It is no longer a secret that famed British novelist E. M. Forster was a homosexual (the posthumous publication of his gay-themed novel Read more

Reviews (1)

Provides up-to-date research
E. M. Forster's homosexuality made him 'different' when it came to thepublic morals of English contemporary society. The essays in this bookexplore the intricate link between that fact and his fiction. It is not aneasy read for a Sunday afternoon, but certainly it opens a new world foranyone genuinely interested in E. M. Forster, colonialism in literature,queer theory and twentieth-century literature. Indispensable from thescholarly point of view. A beautiful journey through the Forster-landscape,with many great vistas and precious finds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Edward Morgan),    2. 1879-1970    3. 20th century    4. Criticism and interpretation    5. England    6. English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh    7. Forster, E. M    8. Gay & Lesbian    9. Gay men's writings, English    10. Gay/Lesbian Nonfiction    11. History    12. History and criticism    13. Homosexuality and literature    14. Literary Criticism    15. Literature - Classics / Criticism    16. Sexual orientation in literature    17. English    18. Gay & Lesbian studies    19. Literary Criticism & Collections / Gay & Lesbian    20. Literary studies: from c 1900 -    21. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. American - General    3. American literature    4. English literature    5. English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh    6. Gay & Lesbian    7. Gay Studies    8. General    9. History and criticism    10. Lesbian Studies    11. Literary Criticism    12. Literature - Classics / Criticism    13. Sex customs in literature    14. Sociology    15. English    16. Literary studies: general