Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "ALTHOUGH homosexuality, bisexuality, gay, and lesbian are terms we all use, same-sex dynamics is a better way to discuss these concepts in other cultures or..." (more)
Key Phrases: sodomy incident, homoerotic activities, homoerotic experiences, Salt Lake City, New York, Deseret News (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Historian Quinn, a former Brigham Young Univ. professor and now an independent scholar, has written a book that is nothing short of astonishing. Who could have possibly imagined the tolerance with which same-sex relationships were accepted by the Mormon Church, as recently as the 1940s? Quinn carefully sets the theoretical parameters of his work in the first chapters and then demonstrates, with thorough documentation, several examples of long-term relationships among Mormon same-sex couples and the environment in which they flourished. His extraordinary accomplishment is especially notable for the subtlety of his claims and the nuanced interpretation he gives them, all supported by exhaustive documentation. Strongly recommended for any collections interested in American history, religion, or queer studies.?David Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Quinn's elegant book is a model of critical religious history." -- Publishers Weekly "A book that is nothing short of astonishing. Who could have possibly imagined the tolerance with which same-sex relationships were accepted by the Mormon Church, as recently as the 1940s? ... [Quinn's] extraordinary accomplishment is especially notable for the subtlety of his claims and the nuanced interpretation he gives them, all supported by exhaustive documentation." -- Library Journal "Quinn's brilliantly written, path-breaking study of same sex behavior and Mormon Church attitudes is essential reading for all historians of the American West, students of American religion, and serious analysts of homosexuality." -- Martin Ridge, Huntington Library "Thoroughly researched, comparative in approach, and subtly argued... Same-Sex Dynamics is a valuable contribution to gay, lesbian, and gender studies, particularly given its methodological sophistication and its focus on a region and a culture far removed from major urban centers." - Richard D. Oueletter, Religious Studies Review "D. Michael Quinn tackles a complex and controversial subject in Same-Sex Dynamics among Nineteenth-Century Americans. The happy result is sterling scholarship, balanced interpretation, and insightful analysis. In short, Quinn offers one of the most important studies to date on the topic of American sexuality." -- Anne M. Butler, Journal of American History

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 477 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press; First Edition edition (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 025202205X
• ISBN-13: 978-0252022050
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,523,684 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Pioneering Mormon, December 25, 2000

By A Customer

Excellent read, and hits the history of Mormon attitudes regarding same-sex dynamics right on the nail's head. As one who has had first hand experience with both Mormonism and same-sex dynamics, I can assure you this book covers the these topics with astounding factual evidence and is devoid of any biasing, or personal agendas. As you can see from earlier reviews by folks from the Mormon hub of the U.S., this book strikes a raw nerve with their own personal and religious agendas. As Quinn so often and eloquently states: "Physical orientation and sexual orientation are not moral issues, and majority/minority phenomena in nature do not involve natural versus unnatural categories. The exceptional in nature is still natural, whether the exception is left-handedness or the homosexual orientation of erotic desire." And, I also agree with him when he states "that every human being, even those whose values or behavior I reject, is of value to God and to me."

Oh, what a kind and non-judgemental world it would be if people would love each other unconditionally, and actually put into practice, not just in word but in deed, their religious beliefs concerning tolerance, love and understanding of each other. Until that time, we all need to accept each other for who we are and bridge the gulf of misunderstanding that often leads to intolerance and hate.

23 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing., November 8, 1997

By	[e-mail] (New York City) - See all my reviews

Best scholarship I have read in a long, long time. It is not often I can say a book actually made me see myself and my beliefs differently. As a believing Mormon I find Quinn's research into the "many silences of Mormon history" not only enlightening, but, contary to the Church's fears, inspiring. Bravo, Michael. ~Gail Richards Dedrick

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars when the niche becomes the affiche, March 10, 1998

By A Customer

Excellent scolarship and abundant reference material make this book a must for anybody interested in the subject. May be the author sees "too much" in a few things but that cannot hurt in a church that denies the obvious presence of homosexuals in its midst. It shows how the perceived perversions were not such in the past and how they are a product of recent fears and denials.