The GLBTRT has been reviewing books and movies in its newsletter since the early 1990s. Trace the evolution of queer publishing through these historic reviews. This review was originally published in Vol. 3, No 3, Fall 1991.
Love Letters Between a Certain Late Nobleman and the Famous Mr. Wilson.Edited by Michael S. Kimmel. (Journal of Homosexuality Series: No. 19, No.2). Harrington Park Press, 1990. Paperback. $11.95. (ISBN 0-918393-69-8)
Love Letters was originally published as a volume of The Journal of Homosexuality. The work discussed was published anonymously in 1723 and makes up only about a quarter of the book. Essays on sexuality and gender in 18th century England make up the rest of the book. The work is not a novel but the plot line is wonderfully convoluted, resembling a Fielding novel.
Rudolph Trumbach’s essay is short and derived from his works on the history of homosexuality in this period. G. S. Rousseau acts as an historical detective, disclosing the political and social motives behind the writing of the letters. David F. Greenberg’s essay uses the work to demonstrate changes in English social perceptions from an emphasis on homosexual acts to homosexual individuals with a distinctive sexual identity. Jargon is used occasionally but the writing is generally accessible to students of 18th century England or of the history of homosexuality. The endnotes provide sources for further research but not all the essays include bibliographies.
Although the plot would be of general interest, it makes up a small part of the book, so it would be most appropriate to a graduate level library.
Reviewed by Bill Edminster
Gerber-Hart Gay and Lesbian Library
Chicago, lllinois
