Gregory Woods Knihy

In this new collection from gay cultural historian and literary critic Gregory Woods, individuals seek, find and lose love in a world united in strife and riven by desire.

In a sweeping study that spans continents, languages, and nearly a century, the author explores how homosexuality has significantly influenced Western culture. From Oscar Wilde's trials to the gay liberation movement, the narrative highlights a time when greater visibility of homosexuality became a hallmark of modernity. The author illuminates the informal networks of gay individuals in creative fields, often referred to as "the Homintern," a term that evokes suspicion of an international homosexual conspiracy. These connections among writers, artists, musicians, and other creatives provided a defense against heterosexual exclusion while fostering solidarity and celebrating talent, ultimately enriching mainstream culture. The work introduces a diverse cast of remarkable characters, many of whom operated with unexpected openness. It also delves into themes such as artistic influence, minority coping strategies, the contradictions of conservatism, and the impacts of both positive and negative discrimination. By traversing key locations and eras—from Harlem in the 1910s to Paris in the 1920s, Berlin in the 1930s, and New York in the 1950s—the book offers a nuanced and engaging portrayal of twentieth-century gay culture and the individuals who redefined themselves and shaped history.