THE CITY AND THE PILLAR

by Gore Vidal ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 9, 1947

A serious treatment of the problem of homosexuality, which instead of highlighting the more ordinary types of perversion, concentrates on the lesser recognized love of men for men, without spurious imitation of women. Jim Willard, a good athlete, finds completion in his first love, and sexual experience, with virile Bob, and holds Bob's image before him as an ideal. He runs away to sea, lands a job as tennis instructor in Hollywood, where star Ronald Shaw further instructs him in the secrets of the worlds without women, in the proper conduct of not betraying himself in public. Writer Sullivan continues Jim's education, introduces him to Maria- but her love is not enough to swing him into heterosexuality. In the war, though some suspected Jim for what he was, he was never openly labeled, and his discharge came for actual medical reasons, and he sought out Bob again. He hoped to resume the old relationship despite Bob's marriage, but when Bob turns on him, Jim murders him- and leaves again for the sea...With sociological and psychological implications against the female-dominated American, this offers a thesis for the recognition of normal love between men, but does not turn out to be another Dasty Answer on its side of the ledger, though it provides the same controversial, understanding material...Storm warnings for PL's.

Pub Date: Jan. 9, 1947

ISBN: 1400030374

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1947

Categories: FICTION