Sodom on the Thames

Sex, Love, and Scandal in Wilde Times

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Gay Studies
Cover of the book Sodom on the Thames by Morris B. Kaplan, Cornell University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Morris B. Kaplan ISBN: 9780801465383
Publisher: Cornell University Press Publication: February 2, 2012
Imprint: Cornell University Press Language: English
Author: Morris B. Kaplan
ISBN: 9780801465383
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Publication: February 2, 2012
Imprint: Cornell University Press
Language: English

Sodom on the Thames looks closely at three episodes involving sex between men in late-nineteenth-century England. Morris Kaplan draws on extensive research into court records, contemporary newspaper accounts, personal correspondence and diaries, even a pornographic novel. He focuses on two notorious scandals and one quieter incident. In 1871, transvestites "Stella" (Ernest Boulton) and "Fanny" (Frederick Park), who had paraded around London's West End followed by enthusiastic admirers, were tried for conspiracy to commit sodomy. In 1889–1890, the "Cleveland Street affair" revealed that telegraph delivery boys had been moonlighting as prostitutes for prominent gentlemen, one of whom fled abroad. In 1871, Eton schoolmaster William Johnson resigned in disgrace, generating shockwaves among the young men in his circle whose romantic attachments lasted throughout their lives. Kaplan shows how profoundly these scandals influenced the trials of Oscar Wilde in 1895 and contributed to growing anxiety about male friendships.

Sodom on the Thames reconstructs these incidents in rich detail and gives a voice to the diverse people involved. It deepens our understanding of late Victorian attitudes toward urban culture, masculinity, and male homoeroticism. Kaplan also explores the implications of such historical narratives for the contemporary politics of sexuality.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Sodom on the Thames looks closely at three episodes involving sex between men in late-nineteenth-century England. Morris Kaplan draws on extensive research into court records, contemporary newspaper accounts, personal correspondence and diaries, even a pornographic novel. He focuses on two notorious scandals and one quieter incident. In 1871, transvestites "Stella" (Ernest Boulton) and "Fanny" (Frederick Park), who had paraded around London's West End followed by enthusiastic admirers, were tried for conspiracy to commit sodomy. In 1889–1890, the "Cleveland Street affair" revealed that telegraph delivery boys had been moonlighting as prostitutes for prominent gentlemen, one of whom fled abroad. In 1871, Eton schoolmaster William Johnson resigned in disgrace, generating shockwaves among the young men in his circle whose romantic attachments lasted throughout their lives. Kaplan shows how profoundly these scandals influenced the trials of Oscar Wilde in 1895 and contributed to growing anxiety about male friendships.

Sodom on the Thames reconstructs these incidents in rich detail and gives a voice to the diverse people involved. It deepens our understanding of late Victorian attitudes toward urban culture, masculinity, and male homoeroticism. Kaplan also explores the implications of such historical narratives for the contemporary politics of sexuality.

More books from Cornell University Press

Cover of the book A Scrap of Paper by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Voyages by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Conflicting Commitments by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Waging War, Planning Peace by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Presence by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Her Father’s Daughter by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Border Games by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Awaiting the Heavenly Country by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Borders among Activists by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Fictions of Dignity by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Trafficking Justice by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book The Ethics of Criticism by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Chinese Economic Statecraft by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Raised under Stalin by Morris B. Kaplan
Cover of the book Who Should Rule at Home? by Morris B. Kaplan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy