The Literature of Lesbos
One of the most glorious things about the internet that I’ve found, is the past being opened up in ways we never could have imagined. We now have easy access to images and insights from previous generations, that would have previously only been available by accident or with extreme dedication. And they say it’s all about the future! Not always so, in my experience…
One aspect of this that I come across very regularly in my travels, is an apparent plethora of ultra pulpy and highly sexual novels from previous decades. Mostly from the 50’s-70’s, it seems.
Recently I posted a series on The Wanton Women of Literature - of which there are more to come - but for today, our topic is Lesbian Literature, of a slightly ridiculous nature.
Allow me to illustrate:
Oh, of course he was! Even though satan is clearly pictured with regulation goatee, pointy moustache and horns…. SATAN WAS A LESBIAN! I’d give my left arm to read this book, just to find out what the hell is going on here. I suspect we’d be up for some serious bondage action.
So, let me get this straight. Not only is satan a lesbian, but now females from Greenwich Village? Is that ALL females? Are women who live in Greenwich Village satanists? Wait, what? Now I’m getting confused….
Satanist bohemian adulterers! Now, I’m getting the picture….
Oh, now you’ve gone and lost me again…. Lesbians are damned, too? Are they in gaol for adultery, or for being lefty bohemians, or for being satan incarnate? I give up.
It’s interesting to see exactly how taboo homosexuality was in past decades, and judging by the sheer volume of gay pulp book covers I have acquired of late, there was no shortage of an audience for it, as you would expect.
Funny how these covers remind me of something those covertly pervy Anerican Republican types might come out with in the present day.
Under an alias, of course.
Holy Mother of God, Creationist or whoever/whatever. I love this blog.
Ooh, kinky.
Damn, the way homosexuality was frowned upon those days. I wouldn’t say it’s any better now, but it certainly has become more prevalent.
D-BB - Ah, I’m glad you like. I aim to please. :)
Wendy - Well, I dunno. I’d say it’s a far more widely accepted and out in the open now, although it depends who you ask, I suppose. There is always going to be bigotry and prejudice. Sad, but true…
As more lifestyle choices are accepted, the fact that these novels were once REALLY, REALLY sinful becomes more and more quaint. It’s kind of cute, honestly.
I loved the last paragraph. Yes, this reminds me of the kind of stuff that would show up in some virulently homophobic senator/pastor/talk show host’s personal library. Which cracks me up, of course.
D - It is kind of quaint, but still it all ties in, the sinfulness and the secrecy of the sin in the present day… but of course you know that already ;)
I’m glad you liked it :)