Description
Book Synopsis: “[A] concise, meticulously researched, century-spanning chronicle of queer life on Fire Island captures, with a plain-spoken yet lyric touch, the locale’s power to stun and shame, to give pleasure and symbolize evanescence.” —Wayne Koestenbaum, New York Times Book Review
Fire Island, a thin strip of beach off the Long Island coast, has long been a vital space in the queer history of America. Both utopian and exclusionary, healing and destructive, the island is a locus of contradictions, all of which coalesce against a stunning ocean backdrop.
Now poet and scholar Jack Parlett tells the story of this iconic destination—its history, its meaning and its cultural significance—through the lens of the artists and creators who sought refuge on its shores. Together, figures as divergent as Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde, James Baldwin, Carson McCullers, Frank O'Hara, Patricia Highsmith and Jeremy O. Harris tell the story of a queer space in constant evolution. Transporting, impeccably researched and gorgeously written, Fire Island is a fond and fierce portrait of an iconic American destination and an essential contribution to queer history.
“Supremely engaging and highly informative.” —BuzzFeed
“A fascinating, throbbing history.” —Olivia Laing
Details
Experience the magic of Fire Island with the captivating book, "Fire Island: A Century in the Life of an American Paradise." This meticulously researched chronicle offers a century-spanning journey through the captivating queer history of this iconic destination. Whether flirtation with illusion or celebration of authenticity, Fire Island has always been a place of contradictions and beauty.
From the likes of literary legends Walt Whitman, Oscar Wilde, and James Baldwin to modern-day visionaries like Jeremy O. Harris, Fire Island has been sanctified by the artistic souls who sought solace on its shores. With its stunning ocean backdrop and cultural significance, this book transports you into the heart of Fire Island's evolution, revealing the transformative power of this cherished American haven.
Immerse yourself in the profoundly engaging narratives of Frank O'Hara, Patricia Highsmith, and others who have shaped the island's legacy. Explore how Fire Island evolved as a space both healing and destructive, utopian and exclusionary. This fascinating and throbbing history will captivate your imagination and leave you with a deep understanding of Fire Island's essence.
Written with poetic finesse, Jack Parlett's masterful storytelling turns Fire Island into an evocative realm, allowing you to witness the stunning past and ongoing journey of this remarkable destination. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of queer culture, or simply intrigued by the allure of Fire Island, this book is an essential addition to your collection.
Don't miss the chance to embark on this unforgettable exploration of Fire Island's impact on American culture and queer history. Order your copy of "Fire Island: A Century in the Life of an American Paradise" today and transcend into a world of beauty and significance.
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