LGBTQ+ literature in the West : from ancient times to the twenty-first century

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Title:

Author:

Evans, Robert C., 1955- author.

ISBN:

9781350371828

Personal Author:

Evans, Robert C., 1955- author.

Physical Description:

221 pages ; 24 cm

General Note:

Source of cataloging data: WCP

Abstract:

"A survey, within one volume, of the history of critical responses to LGBTQ literature from the beginning to the present day, this book explores changes in attitudes, literature and criticism over a period of two and a half thousand years. For various reasons it focuses on literature of 'the West', trying to give readers a clear sense, within a relatively short compass, not only of the development of 'queer' literature (perhaps the most encompassing of all terms) but especially of critical responses to that literature, notably during the past century and particularly the past fifty years. All in all, this book offers a roadmap to much of the excellent scholarship concerning LGBTQ literature that has arisen in the last half-century - an era of unparalleled interest in the topic and an era that has moved the topic from the distant sidelines of literary study to a place ever closer to the center of things."--Publisher description.

Contents:

The Ancient and Classical Periods -- The Middle Ages -- The English Renaissance -- The Seventeenth Century -- The Eighteenth Century -- The Early Nineteenth Century -- The Later Nineteenth Century -- The Early Twentieth Century -- The Later Twentieth Century -- Conclusion.

Subject Term:

Sexual minorities' writings -- History and criticism.

Sexual minorities in literature.

Criticism.

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Library	Material Type	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
Searching... Aurora Downtown	Book	PN491.3 .E93 2023	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

A survey, within one volume, of the history of critical responses to LGBTQ literature from the beginning to the present day, this book explores changes in attitudes, literature and criticism over a period of two and a half thousand years. For various reasons it focuses on literature of 'the West', trying to give readers a clear sense, within a relatively short compass, not only of the development of 'queer' literature (perhaps the most encompassing of all terms) but especially of critical responses to that literature, notably during the past century and particularly the past fifty years.

All in all, this book offers a roadmap to much of the excellent scholarship concerning LGBTQ literature that has arisen in the last half-century - an era of unparalleled interest in the topic and an era that has moved the topic from the distant sidelines of literary study to a place ever closer to the center of things.

Reviews (1)

Choice Review

LGBTQ+ Literature in the West: From Ancient Times to the Twenty-First Century is a valuable survey of the critical responses to queer, or perceived queer, literature in the West. Beginning with homoerotic themes found in ancient and classical literature and continuing to prominent authors in the 19th and 20th centuries, Evans (English, Auburn Univ.) helps paint a picture of our understanding and cultural acceptance of queer literature, authors, and characters throughout the ages. While some background information is occasionally provided, the focus of this book is truly the critical responses and interpretations of works and even the authors themselves. Through this lens, readers gain insight into how authors viewed homosexuality, depicted queer love, thought of themselves, and how their works, and sometimes they, were accepted by their contemporaries. In some ways, Evans's book is almost as much of a survey of LGBTQ+ people's place in history as it is of their place in literature. LGBTQ+ Literature in the West is a well-researched, fascinating look at the history of critical responses to queer literature that successfully remains accessible to those without prior knowledge on the topic. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty. --April Sheppard, Arkansas State University