Customer Reviews

The City and the Pillar and Seven Early Stories

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Having read this book immediately after Ethan Mordden's "How Long Has This Been Going On?" this book provided a more intense view of the gay underground in the late-40's and early 50's. Not only intriguing for gay readers, but for anyone whose illusions have been shattered in an endless pursuit of an ideal.

The story takes you into the world that Keroak prefered to omit in 'On the Road'. Vidal is daring and honest. Had I read this when I was 18, my life would have been very different.

This edition is a steal for what it offers, and at such a modest price! (I am not sure why Amazon describes this is "Hardcover". The edition I ordered here from a third party vendor was soft cover and inexpensive.)

Gore's better 1960s revision of "The City and the Pillar" is an trip into the gay underworld of 1940s America, and Gore's seven early stories are an added treat--each are quality and interesting in their own way. This is not the best Gore ever wrote, but it is a quick read and not very demanding--just perfect if you like short stories and novellas, as I do. I can only wish Gore had continued writing in this form in addition to his many novels.