Elogio del crimen
Angers: Editions Deleatur (1999). 16pp. Soft cover. First ediiton of this work, with illustrations by Alejandro. Fine in wrappers. Uncommon. More about Elogio del crimen
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Hecatelegium ou Les Cent Élégies
Paris: Isidore Liseux (1885). Fifteenth century erotic text translated here into French for the first time with the Latin original on the opposing page. The 100 elegaic poems were considered exremely obscene even by the standards of the Renaissance humanists. One of only 120 numbered copies, none of which were intended for sale (#99). Inscribed on front endpaper, perhaps by the editor. B.N. Enfer 102. Pia 326. Very good in contemporary binding, a little marked, bookplate on front pastedown. More about Hecatelegium ou Les Cent Élégies
Onanism: The Masturbation Panic 1756-1973
deHartington and Weiss (2006). A catalogue of 77 books relating to the subject of masturbation, with a short bibliography. One of 100 copies printed. Fine in stiff wrappers. More about Onanism: The Masturbation Panic 1756-1973
L'Art de l'Etre sans l'Etre
Paris: Figuiere [1916]. 30pp. A short play script/poem about a romantic drama among two men and a women. Bound in handmade boards, title written on cover, long inscription by the author on endpaper, along with an original drawing adhered to front pastedown, tassled thread, bookplate of Octave Chavaillon. Laid in at rear is a 4pp (1 sheet folded) printed collection of five sonnets entitled "Antinous", each of which are initialed by the author, who has also inscribed and numbered the collection. A curious publication-we can find no example in any institution, nor any other works published by the author. More about L'Art de l'Etre sans l'Etre
A Companion Volume
Paris: Contact Publishing Co. (1923). One of the first publications of McAlmon's press, so named because of it's affinities with his earlier collection of stories, A Hasty Bunch. McAlmon arrived in Paris several years earlier and married Bryher, who financed his Contact Editions. A very good copy in original buff wrappers, spine a bit browned, with slight chipping. More about A Companion Volume
Pantomime
Scarborough: Catalyst (1974). Poetry collection, signed (with a poem) by the author on half-title page. Very good in wrappers. Young 2629. More about Pantomime
Der Kreis/Le Cercle/The Circle: Eine Monatsschrift
Zurich: Der Kreis (1962). An unbound set of the complete year of 12 issues for 1962. It was published in German, French and English and contained articles on literature, art and culture and each edition contained photographs and artwork, many by renowned artists. Artwork by George Platt Lynes, Paul Cadmus, George Platt Lynes, Jean Boullet and stories by James Barr, Michael Kuzmin and others. In Hubert Kennedy's book The Ideal Gay Man, which chronicles the history of Der Kreis, Kennedy describes the magazine as having been "the world's most important journal promoting the legal and social rights of gay men" for much of its publication period and one of very few such journals in Europe at the time.Additionally, it remains the only gay publication to include editorial content in three languages. (Wikipedia) In 2014, the magazine's history was documented in a Swiss docudrama film eponymously titled The Circle. The film, which features a mix of historical footage from the 1950s and dramatizations of events, won the Teddy Award and the Panorama Audience Award in the documentary category at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival. All issues are very good condition with minimal cover wear, two issues have light cover spotting. More about Der Kreis/Le Cercle/The Circle: Eine Monatsschrift
A Valentine for Lake Dawn
NP (1982). A decorated folded card with a typed poem by Meyer called "Eternity" signed and dated by the author. A colored line drawing of a nude youth also appears on the same sheet. Very good in sewn wrappers. More about A Valentine for Lake Dawn
Sébastian Roch: Roman de Moeurs
Paris: Charpentier (1890). 364pp. The perhaps partly autobiographical novel about the abuse of a schoolboy by a Jesuit priest, which has dire consequences for the youth. Mirbeau is known for a number of avant-garde novels and he enjoyed great literary success during his lifetime. Very good in 1/4 leather boards, edges slightly bumped, original wrappers present. Uncommon. More about Sébastian Roch: Roman de Moeurs
Pierre Le-Tan
Madrid: Aldeasa (2004). 315pp. The extensive illustrated exhibition catalog from the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía of Le-Tan's illustrations, many reproduced in color. Essays by Modiano. Patrick Mauries, Jose Llop and others. Near fine in wrappers. Uncommon. More about Pierre Le-Tan
La Petite Mademoiselle: Scène de Moeurs mondaines
Paris: Albin Michel [1910]. 1st Edition. Soft cover. The first edition of this novel, one of an unknown number of large paper copies, warmly inscribed by the author on endpaper. Very good in original orange wrappers, covers lightly worn. Uncommon. Place 24. Philippe Jullian writes that the novel "is one of the most laughably odd books ever written." Montesquiou portrays himself in the guise of an English governess to whom he attributes the hoaxes of his youth. The novel was penned while he passed a somber holiday at his family home in the south of France, More about La Petite Mademoiselle: Scène de Moeurs mondaines
Le Chancelier de Fleurs
[Paris]: (1907) 303pp. An elaborate tribute to Gabriel de Yturri, the author's longtime lover and friend. The eccentric dandy and Yturri were at the center of the beaux monde in Paris during the closing years of the 19th century, portrayed by Proust, as well as numerous others. This tribute contains essays and poems by de Montesquiou, as well as a frontispiece of Yturri and a gravure of his headstone. One of only 100 copies issued, this is number 3. Very good in original wrappers, small stain to cover, pages uncut. An uncommon and important record of this collaboration. More about Le Chancelier de Fleurs
Tony - A Sketch
London: Richard Bentley (1898). Charming story of a boy's mishap on a train. Several titles by the same author appear on Murray's List. Very good in attractive gold embossed boards, small signature on endpaper. Uncommon. More about Tony - A Sketch
Stipes
Paris: Les éditions d’art de Raymond Duncan (1926). 24pp. 4to. A rare collection of Sapphic poetry poetry by Roger de Nereys, pseudonym of Marie-Antoine de Helle ( 1894-1976). The book was printed by the American philosopher, artist and poet, Raymond Duncan. Very good in original fragile wrappers, browned, with slight edgewear. One of 20 special copies on Chine (V), with a penciled poem by the author on frontispiece. Laid in is an autographed note in the hand of the author. More about Stipes
A Chaplet of Southernwood
Ashover: Frank Murray (1896) 8vo. 75pp. Uranian poetry celebrating the beauty of the author's beloved pupil, Alec Melling. A very good copy in 3/4 morocco binding, slight wear to edges. With the bookplate of McDouglas Scott on front endpaper, along with his signature and assorted penciled notations. "Southernwood" refers to a plant that is reputed to have an aroma similar to sperm. Very good in quarter cloth, original wrappers not present, light foxing to endpapers and a bit of light crayon marks on rear endpapers. [Love in Earnest, p.249]. One of 208 copies, photographic frontispiece. An original photograph of a nude boy is tipped on to front endpaper. Uncommon. More about A Chaplet of Southernwood
XX Poemas
Mexico : Talleres Graficos de la Nacion, 1925. 29pp. An unusual Mexican character, often outrageously demonstrative in his homoseuxality, he was fond of outrageous wigs....The author's first publication, One of 200 copies. Salvador Novo López (1904 –1974) was a Mexican writer, poet, playwright, translator, television presenter, entrepreneur, and the official chronicler of Mexico City. As a noted intellectual, he influenced popular perceptions of politics, media, the arts, and Mexican society in general. He was a member of Los Contemporáneos, a group of Mexican writers, as well as of the Mexican Academy of the Language. Novo defied the machismo and conservative Catholicism prevalent in 20th century Mexican culture by making almost no efforts to conceal his sexuality.[1] He was, however, accepted by the Mexican government. He held official posts related to culture, was elected to the Mexican Language Academy, and had a television program on Mexico City's history. Towards the end of his life, he dyed his hair a bright carrot color and wore many ostentatious rings and colored suits. He has been compared to Oscar Wilde, but unlike Wilde, Novo never suffered the setback of scandal or persecution and remained an accepted and respected member of society and governmental circles until his death. In fact, some sectors resented the fact that a gay writer would align himself so closely with the government and media after the repression of social movements in the 1960s and 1970s. Salvador Novo was a provocative and prolific cultural presence in Mexico City through much of the twentieth century. With his friend and fellow poet Xavier Villaurrutia, he cofounded Ulises and Contemporáneos, landmark avant-garde journals of the late 1920s and 1930s. At once “outsider” and “insider,” Novo held high posts at the Ministries of Culture and Public Education and wrote volumes about Mexican history, politics, literature, and culture. The author of numerous collections of poems, including XX poemas, Nuevo amor, Espejo, Dueño mío, and Poesía 1915–1955, Novo is also considered one of the finest, most original prose stylists of his generation. More about XX Poemas
THE GREEN WINDOW
London: Leonard Smithers and Co., 1899. lg 8vo. Termed a "book of monologues" by the author, the short works have titles such as: "Faint," "Sob." "Was," etc. "In general, to help a man is like reviving an assassin who has designs on your life. For beyond the truth that most men are naturally your enemies, the one who solicits your help shews by the very act that you have something which he has not, and which he cannot like you for having." Chocolate brown cloth, lettered in gilt. First edition, second binding, with Grant Richards's imprint at the toe of the spine. Very good, light wear to edges. More about THE GREEN WINDOW
Alcibiade Enfant a l'Ecole
Bruxelles: Chez l'Ancien Pierre Marteau (1891). 110pp. A French edition of this controversial text, considered "almost a treatise in disguise on sodomy." (Ashbee at 24.) This edition is quite uncommon. Very good in faded pink boards, original paper wrappers not present. Uncommon. More about Alcibiade Enfant a l'Ecole
Lettre sur Claudel et La Pédérastie
Paris: Imprimerie de l'Institut Catholique (1985). 14pp. Unpublished letters "pederastique" to Claudel reproduced in facsimile. Issued only in an edition of 50 numbered copies printed on "papyrus cardinalice." An apparently clandestine publication with a faux publisher :"To honor the memory of St. Paul Claudel and blast pederasts, this unpublished work was completed on 1 April 1985 on the presses of the Catholic Institute of Paris. Corydon Alexis is President and Tityrus the-tail-master printer. Every copy not stamped apostolic and not initialed by the President shall be deemed false and counterfeit and liable to ecclesiastical courts..." Very good in wrappers. More about Lettre sur Claudel et La Pédérastie
Appunti
Milano: Edizioni della Meridiana, Milano (1950). One of 750 numbered copies. An uncommon collection of poetry, near fine in original wrappers. More about Appunti
Die Infamen
Leipzig: Verlag "Wahrheit" (Max Spohr) [1906]. 255pp. An early gay novel set in the mid-1800s, which describes the lives and loves of Richard, a young musician living in Berlin. One of three gay novels written by the author, who was an influential musician and critic living in Riga. Fair in original rather worn boards, back strip missing, but sound. Advertisements at rear for other books from Spohr's "Wahrheit" series, including works by Wilde and other works by Pernauhm, including his classic Ercole Tomei. See Marita Keilson-Lauritz, Die Geschichte der eigenen Geschichte; Eldorado 1984 @99; Hergmöller, Mann für Mann @551. Quite uncommon. More about Die Infamen
Ercole Tomei
Leipzig: Verlag Max Spohr (1900). 175pp. One of the most important gay novels of its age, Ercole Tomei tells the story of a young musician who falls in love with his professor and the jealousies that ensue when the younger man marries. The author was Guido Eckardt Hermann (1873-1951) a musician and journalist, who for many years was one of the most influential figures of cultural life in Riga. A very good copy in original wrappers, some browning to covers and small closed tear at spine. Exceedingly rare, the fi rst copy we have seen. More about Ercole Tomei
35 Sonnets
Lisbon: Monteiro & Co. (1918). One of two books self-published by Pessoa in 1918, the other being Antinous. Both of these publications contain a number of passages that have been interpreted as having a gay sub-text. 35 Sonnets received fairly positive reviews from various British journals although the Times Literary Supplement noted that the author's "command of English is less remarkable than his knowledge of Elizabethan English." Very good in original wrappers, light browning to covers and a few light traces of foxing, pages uncut. More about 35 Sonnets
Les Amities Particulières
Marseille: Jean Vigneau (1943). 4to. The first edition of Peyrefitte's classic novel of schoolboy love. A very good copy in original wrappers, small closed tear at head of spine, front endpaper missing. One of 1600 (#410) numbered copies laid into a marbled paper and vellum slipcase and box. More about Les Amities Particulières
Fantasies
London: Privately printed (1923). Uranian poetry by the author of several similar volumes extoling the virtues of such relationships. Printed by Francis Edwin Murray who issued a number of Uranian texts. One of 28 large paper copies, good in grey boards, covers browned and worn, spine starting to crack. Original prospectus for the book laid in (one sheet folded). Bookplate (by Ralph Chubb) of Anthony Reid on front pastedown.Young 3041*. More about Fantasies