INVERSIONS Dans l'art, la littérature, l'histoire, la philosophie et la science; L'AMITIÉ Art, Littérature, Histoire, Philosophie, Science
Paris: Inversions (1924-1925). 4to.
Item #8730
A complete set of the extremely rare magazine dedicated to homosexual issues in France. Although Fersen's journal Akademos is often cited as the first gay journal, Inversions (and its successor L'Amitie) were far more explicit in their open treatment of gay issues. The editors were not part of Parisian literary circles, but managed to obtain contributions from some of the most forceful proponents of homosexual rights, many of which contributed under pseudonyms: Numa Praetorius , St. Ch. Waldecke , Louis Estève , Willy , G. Pioch, Claude Cahun , Georges d'Autry, Pierre Guyolot-Dubasty (Axieros) , Marcel Dartus, Havelock Ellis and Camille Spiess.
Four issues of the magazine were produced before formal complaints were made about its content (one objector called it an "official review of pederasty, which clearly proclaims its ignoble program") which lead to an official prosecution. In April of 1925, the magazine changed its name to L'Amitie in an effort to forestall the prosecution, but the principals were eventually convicted of "d'outrage aux bonnes mœurs et de propagation de méthodes anticonceptionnelles" and the two editors were incarcerated for three months.
The magazines were printed on inexpensive acidic paper and as a consequence deteriorated rapidly and rarely appear in commerce. This set is in fair condition- all pages are present but many are laid into marbled boards, with browning and chips to edges. Laid in is a 1 pp.TLS regarding Claude Cahun's contribution to L'Amitie. There is a long pencilled notation on the front endpaper about the history of the magazine from the previous owner (noting that he has never seen another collection).
Price: $7,500.00