Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day
As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, BookMatcher earns from qualifying purchases.
Peter Ackroyd is our preeminent chronicler of London. In Queer City, he looks at the metropolis in a whole new way - through the history and experiences of its gay population. In Roman Londinium the penis was worshipped and homosexuality was considered admirable. The city was dotted with lupanaria ('wolf dens' or public pleasure houses), fornices (brothels) and thermiae (hot baths). Then came the Emperor Constantine, with his bishops and clergy, monks and missionaries. His rule was accompanied by the first laws against queer practices. What followed was an endless loop of alternating permissiveness and censure, from the notorious Normans, whose military might depended on masculine loyalty, and the fashionable female transvestism of the 1620s; to the frenzy of executions for sodomy in the early 1800s and the 'gay plague' in the 1980s. Ackroyd takes us right into this hidden city, celebrating its diversity, thrills and energy on the one hand; but reminding us of its very real terrors, dangers and risks on the other. In a city of superlatives, it is perhaps this endless sexual fluidity and resilience that epitomise the real triumph of London.
Listed under Gay people · England · London · Social life and customs
About Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day
What is Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day about?
Peter Ackroyd is our preeminent chronicler of London. In Queer City, he looks at the metropolis in a whole new way - through the history and experiences of its gay population. In Roman Londinium the penis was worshipped and homosexuality was considered admirable.
Who wrote Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day?
Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day was written by Ackroyd, Peter.
What books are similar to Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day?
Explore our curated recommendations for books like Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day by Ackroyd, Peter, matched by theme, writing style, and atmosphere to help you find your next read.
Where can I buy Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day?
You can buy Queer city: gay London from the Romans to the present day in print or ebook through the Amazon and Bookshop.org links on this page — Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.