Books matching: homosexuality
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:A must-read cornerstone for anyone interested in pre-modern LGBTQ+ history - scholarly, sweeping, and sometimes intense, but missing a modern lens and a more balanced gender focus.
"Homosexuality & Civilization" by Louis Crompton delves into the historical attitudes towards homosexuality from ancient times to the Enlightenment. It explores how different civilizations and cultures viewed and treated same-sex relationships, highlighting key figures, events, and societal norms that shaped the perception of homosexuality over the centuries. Through detailed accounts of various periods in history, the author uncovers the complexities of societal acceptance, religious influence, and legal persecution faced by individuals who identified as homosexual. Crompton's narrative style weaves together anecdotes, historical facts, and cultural insights to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution of attitudes towards homosexuality across different civilizations.
Louis Crompton's book offers a scholarly examination of the intersection between homosexuality and civilization, presenting a rich tapestry of historical accounts, cultural practices, and societal attitudes towards same-sex relationships. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the author sheds light on the diverse experiences of homosexuals throughout history, from periods of acceptance and tolerance to eras marked by persecution and discrimination. By drawing parallels between different civilizations and highlighting the evolution of societal norms, Crompton's work provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the historical treatment of homosexuality.
In all history, no society has aroused the same enthusiasm as ancient Greece. This is a truism, yet the fact remains incontestable. Greek achievements in literature, art, and architecture set norms fo...November 2003•640 pages - #2
Save:A brief but unforgettable account that highlights the often-ignored suffering of gay men during the Holocaust - a tough but essential addition to both Holocaust and LGBTQ+ reading lists.
"The Men with the Pink Triangle" is a powerful memoir that sheds light on the experiences of homosexual individuals who were persecuted and imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The book recounts the harrowing tale of a man who endured unimaginable hardships due to his sexual orientation, providing a rare glimpse into the lives of those wearing the pink triangle symbol, which marked them as homosexuals in the camps. Through poignant storytelling, the author delves into the struggles, discrimination, and atrocities faced by these individuals, offering a unique perspective on a group often overlooked in Holocaust literature.
VIENNA, MARCH 1939. I was twenty-two years old, a university student preparing for an academic career, a choice that met my parents’ wishes as much as my own. Being little interested in politics, I wa...1972•137 pages - #3
Save:A pioneering, poignant novel that gently but firmly challenges social norms, Maurice is a classic LGBTQ+ love story and a quietly powerful celebration of being true to oneself - definitely worth a read, especially if you love thought-provoking, character-driven fiction.
'Maurice' by E.M. Forster is a groundbreaking novel that focuses on homosexuality as a fact of life in Edwardian England. The story follows Maurice Hall as he discovers and comes to terms with his homosexuality, navigating relationships with his first love Clive and later finding happiness with a working-class man named Alec. Forster's writing style is praised for its depth and humanity, portraying the struggles and complexities of same-sex relationships in a society that condemns them.
1Once a term the whole school went for a walk—that is to say the three masters took part as well as all the boys. It was usually a pleasant outing, and everyone looked forward to it, forgot old scores...1970•263 pages - #4
Save:A gorgeously written, emotionally rich reimagining of the Iliad - equal parts epic love story and meditation on heroism. If you love myth with a modern heart, this one will stick with you.
'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru...September 2011•399 pages - #5
Save:Giovanni's Room is a beautifully written, emotionally intense classic that explores love, shame, and identity - it will break your heart but stay with you long after the last page.
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is a powerful and moving novel set in Paris in the 1950s, revolving around David, an American living in Paris who finds himself torn between his fiancée Hella and his passionate relationship with Giovanni, a young Italian man. The book explores themes of love, identity, societal expectations, and the struggles of embracing one's true self. Through Baldwin's masterful writing, the story delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and desires, painting a vivid picture of the characters' internal conflicts and external challenges they face in a society that is not accepting of their love.
ISTAND AT THE window of this great house in the south of France as night falls, the night which is leading me to the most terrible morning of my life. I have a drink in my hand, there is a bottle at m...1956•202 pages - #6
Save:A respectful, in-depth scriptural argument for affirming same-sex relationships, ideal for Christians open to reexamining the Bible’s stance - but likely to be divisive depending on your starting point.
"God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships" by Matthew Vines is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between faith and sexuality. Through personal anecdotes and in-depth analysis of biblical texts, Vines challenges traditional interpretations of scripture to make a case for the acceptance of same-sex relationships within Christian communities. The book delves into the historical context of biblical passages, tackles the complexities of sexual orientation, and advocates for a more inclusive and compassionate approach towards LGBTQ individuals in the church.
Vines presents his arguments in a clear and accessible manner, blending theological insights with personal reflections. By sharing his own journey of reconciling his faith with his sexual orientation, Vines engages readers in a compelling narrative that encourages introspection and dialogue. Through a conservative scriptural lens, Vines navigates complex theological debates and offers a fresh perspective on how the Bible can be interpreted to support LGBTQ rights and relationships.
April 2014•225 pages - #7
Save:A dark, beautifully written classic that bravely tackles sexuality and the masks we wear - brilliant for those who love thought-provoking, confessional literature, but challenging and not for the faint of heart.
"Confessions of a Mask" by Yukio Mishima is a semi-autobiographical novel set in post-WWII Japan, following the protagonist, Kochan, as he navigates his childhood and early adulthood while grappling with his hidden homosexuality. The book delves into Kochan's internal struggles, his attempts to conform to societal norms, and his complex relationships with friends and family. Mishima's writing style is described as captivating, lyrical, and deeply personal, offering a glimpse into the protagonist's psyche and the societal pressures of the time.
The narrative of "Confessions of a Mask" acts as a mask for Kochan's innermost thoughts and desires, portraying a coming-of-age tale filled with introspection, self-discovery, and societal expectations. Mishima skillfully weaves together themes of sexuality, identity, and psychological turmoil against the backdrop of a conservative Japanese society, creating a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
For many years I claimed I could remember things seen at the time of my own birth. Whenever I said so, the grownups would laugh at first, but then, wondering if they were not being tricked, they would...1949•257 pages A must-read for anyone seeking insight into the often hidden LGBTQ+ stories of WWII - thorough, passionate, and illuminating, even if the prose sometimes repeats itself. Expect to be moved, informed, and maybe a little challenged.
'Coming Out Under Fire: The History of Gay Men and Women in World War Two' by Allan Berube is a well-researched and detailed exploration of the experiences of LGBTQ individuals serving in the American armed forces during World War II. Through a combination of historical accounts, interviews, and official records, Berube sheds light on the challenges faced by gay and lesbian service members, the impact of the military's anti-gay policies, and the formation of a subculture within the military. The writing style is engaging and informative, offering a nuanced look at how these individuals navigated their identities and relationships during a time of heightened discrimination and societal stigma.
Early in 1943 Robert Fleischer, who lived with his family on Manhattan's Upper West Side, went down to the Grand Central Palace induction station for his physical. When he reached the psychiatrist's o...1990•398 pages- #9
Save:Bleak, gutsy, and gorgeously written - an underappreciated classic that’s perfect if you want outside-the-mainstream queer literature with a razor-sharp edge, but be prepared for a tough emotional ride.
'Eustace Chisholm and the Works' by James Purdy is a dark comedy that delves into the lives of a group of neurotic and self-loathing characters who destroy themselves in search of redemption through pain and misery. The story follows Eustace Ace, a bisexual poet, his wife Carla Maureen, an artist, and Reuben, a wealthy man who falls in love with Amos. The novel explores themes of social conditions, oppressive cultural taboos, and the struggles faced by individuals in deplorable living conditions during the Great Depression.
The writing style of 'Eustace Chisholm and the Works' is described as powerful, enchanting, and engagingly written, with a touch of dark humor. The narrative weaves together complex character studies, vivid descriptions of social phenomena, and explores the psychological profiles of the characters. The book is noted for its gothic portrayal of destruction in relationships and lives, as well as its exploration of themes such as sexual repression, unrequited love, and societal stigmas against homosexuality.
Eustace Chisholm’s street, with the Home for the Incurables to the south and the streetcar line to the west, extended east up to blue immense choppy Lake Michigan. South of its terminus the great gray...1967•278 pages - #10
Save:A smart, thoughtful sequel that delves deep into the psychological scars of war and the dangers of societal witch hunts. Not as punchy as the first, but still a worthwhile and provocative read - especially if you like your historical fiction to wrestle with messy truths.
'The Eye in the Door' is the second installment in Pat Barker's Regeneration trilogy, set in 1918 during World War I. The story follows the fictional character Billy Prior, a soldier recovering from war trauma and working as an intelligence agent. The plot delves into themes of homosexuality, imprisonment, resistance to the war effort, and the splitting of personality, all against the backdrop of a society gripped by paranoia and witch hunts targeting specific groups. The book also explores the psychological effects of war on soldiers, with appearances from real-life figures like Dr. Rivers and Siegfried Sassoon.
The narrative style of 'The Eye in the Door' is described as compelling, with Barker's use of language praised for its measured and lyrical quality. The book intricately weaves historical events and characters into a fictional narrative, offering insights into the psychological consequences of war trauma. The character development, particularly that of Billy Prior, is highlighted as a strong aspect of the book, along with the exploration of themes related to war, violence, and identity.
In formal beds beside the Serpentine, early tulips stood in tight-lipped rows. Billy Prior spent several moments setting up an enfilade, then, releasing his companion’s arm, seized an imaginary machin...
