Status
Available
Genres
Publication
The Feminist Press at CUNY (2006), 183 pages
Description
Kinseyesque profiles and on-the-scene reportage reveal the complex ""underground"" lesbian society of the 50s.
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Read as a curiosity only. Although written by a lesbian (Marijane Meaker) it adopts the stance that homosexuality is a sickness that perhaps in some cases can be cured. In one chapter, it says it's always the parents faults. From time to time, the author's own voice is probably sneaking through,
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since the overall tone of the book is sympathetic, but it is a hopeless mishmash of outmoded theories and case studies. One whole chapter--the most frightening one--does recount each of the 48 states' (yes, the book is that old) laws against "unnatural acts" and the like. In Georgia, homosexuality could be punished by life in prison, for instance. Perhaps it does say something about the public's curiosity that this book could be published alongside Gold Medal novels by the likes of John D. MacDonald! Meaker also wrote pulp novels, some with lesbian themes, as Vin Packer, and highly successful children's books as M.E. Kerr. She was also Patricia Highsmith's lover for two years. Quite a life--and she's going, over 90 years old now. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1955
Physical description
183 p.; 5 inches
ISBN
1558615253 / 9781558615250
Local notes
Fiction