The Oldest Gay Novels: Orlando, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Cecil Dreeme, The Sins of the Cities, Well of Loneliness, Carmilla...
Oscar Wilde · Bayard Taylor · Virginia Woolf · Lucas Malet · Robert Hichens · Henry Blake Fuller · Radclyffe Hall · Jack Saul · Sheridan Le Fanu · Theodore Winthrop · Harlan Cozad McIntosh
Nov 2023 · DigiCat
Ebook
2899
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About this ebook
Exploring a tapestry of themes centered around identity, desire, and societal nuances, 'The Oldest Gay Novels' presents a rich collection that traverses time and style. It captures a diverse range of narratives that delve into the complexities of love and relationships, showcasing various literary forms such as the gothic, realistic, and modernist. This anthology curates significant yet diverse pieces that highlight pioneering explorations of queer identities, offering readers a chronological journey through evolving consciousness and societal attitudes. Key pieces stand out with their innovation and heart, breathing life into minoritized voices. The anthology brings together a constellation of renowned authors like Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, and Radclyffe Hall, alongside notable contemporaries ranging from the gothic tales of Sheridan Le Fanu to the social novellas of Theodore Winthrop. These authors, with their varied backgrounds, collectively capture the essence of queer literature from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, reflecting on their cultural and historical milieus. Contributions from these revolutionary voices contribute towards a broader understanding of the socio-political dynamics that influenced early gay narrative forms and themes, revealing layers of hidden history and identity. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this compendium for its breadth and depth of perspective, allowing for an enriched engagement with stories that have shaped literary and cultural history. Whether you are an academic, a student, or an enthusiastic reader of queer literature, this anthology is a compelling journey through the interwoven lives and voices that pioneered the articulation of sexual identity. Through these diverse lenses, it fosters a dialogue that promises to educate, inspire, and provoke thought, all within the pages of this remarkable collection.
About the author
Oscar Wilde, a luminary of Victorian literature, was born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland. A playwright, poet, and celebrated wit, Wilde is renowned for his flamboyant narrative style and keen social commentary. While 'The Oldest Gay Novels' is not among his acclaimed works, Wilde's oeuvre includes seminal texts such as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' (1890), a novel that subtly explores themes of aesthetics, duplicity, and the nature of beauty. His plays, such as 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (1895) and 'An Ideal Husband' (1895), are celebrated for their satirical wit and have cemented his legacy as a master of the epigram. Wilde's literary style often veiled his commentary on societal norms and hypocrisy, particularly in the context of gender and sexuality, which can be seen in his plays and essays. In his time, Wilde's sexuality was a source of controversy and led to his imprisonment, which he poignantly addressed in his poem 'The Ballad of Reading Gaol' (1898). Oscar Wilde's brilliance cannot be overstated, and his works continue to be studied for their linguistic artistry and engagement with the social issues of his time. Despite 'The Oldest Gay Novels' not being attributed to Wilde, the thematic exploration of sexuality in his acknowledged publications remains influential in literary studies. His tragic downfall and early death on November 30, 1900, in Paris, brought an abrupt end to a life that was as dramatic in its arc as the literature he penned.
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