Bayard Taylor

Joseph and His Friend (eBook, ePUB)

America's First Gay Novel

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In the literary treasure 'Joseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvania,' Bayard Taylor explores the profound depths of male camaraderie, set against the backdrop of 19th-century America. With its delicate prose, the novel unravels the narrative of a special attachment between Joseph and his friend, delineating the boundaries between romantic affection and the platonic intimacy of the soul. The book not only pioneers the discourse on same-gender relationships-with a subtlety that eludes overt eroticism-but also immerses readers in an immersive portrayal of Pennsylvania's pastoral beauty. Its nuanced exploration is situated at the nexus of pre-modernist style and the burgeoning sensibilities of a society poised on the brink of profound social transformations. Bayard Taylor, an eminent figure in American letters, wielded his pen across a multitude of genres, yet with 'Joseph and His Friend,' he embarked on a controversial foray that blurred societal delineations of love and friendship. A reflection of Taylor's own erudite and peripatetic life, this literary offering may have been informed by the author's introspections and the zeitgeist of his age, which witnessed the nascent movements toward diverse forms of human expression and relationships. This novel is thus recommended not merely as a piece of historical curiosity but as a work with enduring relevance. Readers with an interest in early LGBTQ+ literature, American literary history, or those seeking a portrayal of emotional bonds unfettered by convention will find in 'Joseph and His Friend' a quiet yet revolutionary voice. Let it find a new haven in the heart of a contemporary audience, eager to rediscover the roots of a genre and a narrative boldly penned before its time by Bayard Taylor.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 283
• Erscheinungstermin: 20. November 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547727552
• Artikelnr.: 69360747

Autorenporträt

Bayard Taylor (1825-1878) was an American poet, literary critic, translator, and travel author best known for his vivid accounts of his journeys. Taylor was born on January 11, 1825, in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. His adventurous spirit and literary ambitions led him to become a preeminent figure in 19th-century travel literature. His book, 'Joseph and His Friend' (1870), showcases his talent as a novelist and is one of the early works in American literature to depict same-sex love, regarded by some as a pioneering gay novel. Though best known for his travel writings, such as 'Views Afoot' (1846) and 'Eldorado, or Adventures in the Path of Empire' (1850), Taylor's work ranged from poetry to fiction, including his translation of Goethe's 'Faust' which is considered one of the definitive English versions. His literary style is marked by rich description and a keen eye for cultural details, reflective of the Romantic era's fascination with the exotic and picturesque. Taylor served as a diplomat in the latter part of his life, becoming the United States Minister to Germany shortly before his death. He died on December 19, 1878, in Berlin, leaving behind a legacy of extensive travel literature that continues to be of scholarly interest for insights into 19th-century attitudes towards culture, exploration, and international relations.