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Young Man from the Provinces
A Gay Life Before Stonewall
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Check link for latest rating. ( 109 ratings, 20 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreYoung, intelligent, and handsome, Alan Helms left a brutal midwestern childhood for New York City in 1955. In this unusually vivid and sensitive account, Helms describes the business of being a sex object and its psychological and physical toll.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
An insider's account of gay high society in pre-Stonewall New York City—now back in print!
Young Man from the Provinces offers a compelling narrative as Alan Helms recounts his journey from a brutal midwestern childhood to the vibrant life of New York City in 1955. Young, intelligent, and handsome, Helms was denied a Rhodes scholarship due to his sexual orientation. Nonetheless, he soon became an object of desire within the gay underground scene, an exclusive social realm frequented by iconic figures such as Noel Coward, Leonard Bernstein, and Marlene Dietrich.
In this unusually vivid and sensitive account, Helms explores the business of being a sex object and delves into the psychological and physical toll it exacted. His story offers a rare glimpse into the realities of living as a gay man during that era, providing valuable insights for readers and historians alike.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Young Man from the Provinces is acclaimed for its elegant prose and poignant reflection. It's praised as both an engaging and humorous memoir while capturing a vanished era of gay culture. The narrative is appreciated for its depth, offering universal insights into the struggles for identity and acceptance.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780816642687
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 22 April 2003
Country: United States
Imprint: University of Minnesota Press
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 18.0mm
Width: 152.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 224
Collections
About the Author
Alan Helms is professor of literature at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
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