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Joseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvania
Joseph, a young man, marries a wealthy woman just as he is discovering an even more powerful love with his new friend Philip and must contend with the revelation of his wife's manipulative nature as well as his increasing feelings for Philip.Joseph and His Friend has been deemed the 'first gay novel' in America.It has also been noted for its enigmatic treatment of homosexuality. Roger Austen notes "In the nineteenth century Bayard Taylor had written that the reader who did not feel 'cryptic forces' at play in Joseph and His Friend would hardly be interested in the external movement of his novel
376 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1870
13 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Bayard Taylor
732 books15 followersBayard Taylor was a poet, literary critic, translator, fiction and travel author.
His interest in poetry was coached by the influential critic and editor Rufus Wilmot Griswold, who encouraged him to write a volume of poetry. Published at Philadelphia in 1844, Ximena, or the Battle of the Sierra Morena, and other Poems was dedicated to Griswold. It made little income, but indirectly was a means of his introduction to The New York Tribune.
With the money from his poetry and an advance for some journalistic work to be done in Europe, Taylor set sail for Europe. The young poet spent a happy time in roaming on foot through certain districts of England, France, Germany and Italy; this tour of almost two years cost him only £100. The accounts which he sent from Europe to The New York Tribune, The Saturday Evening Post, and The United States Gazette were so highly appreciated that on Taylor's return to America, he was advised to compile his articles into book form.
In 1846, he published Views Afoot, or Europe seen with Knapsack and Staff (2 vols, New York). This book's success brought Taylor recognition as an author. He was asked to serve as an editorial assistant for Graham's Magazine for a few months in 1848. That same year, Horace Greeley, then editor of the Tribune, placed Taylor on his staff, thus securing Taylor a certain if moderate income.
His poem "Greetings to America" was set to music by Julius Benedict and performed by the singer at numerous concerts on her tour of the United States.
His interest in poetry was coached by the influential critic and editor Rufus Wilmot Griswold, who encouraged him to write a volume of poetry. Published at Philadelphia in 1844, Ximena, or the Battle of the Sierra Morena, and other Poems was dedicated to Griswold. It made little income, but indirectly was a means of his introduction to The New York Tribune.
With the money from his poetry and an advance for some journalistic work to be done in Europe, Taylor set sail for Europe. The young poet spent a happy time in roaming on foot through certain districts of England, France, Germany and Italy; this tour of almost two years cost him only £100. The accounts which he sent from Europe to The New York Tribune, The Saturday Evening Post, and The United States Gazette were so highly appreciated that on Taylor's return to America, he was advised to compile his articles into book form.
In 1846, he published Views Afoot, or Europe seen with Knapsack and Staff (2 vols, New York). This book's success brought Taylor recognition as an author. He was asked to serve as an editorial assistant for Graham's Magazine for a few months in 1848. That same year, Horace Greeley, then editor of the Tribune, placed Taylor on his staff, thus securing Taylor a certain if moderate income.
His poem "Greetings to America" was set to music by Julius Benedict and performed by the singer at numerous concerts on her tour of the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 3, 2014
This book really surprised me, it was so different from what I expected. I really had no frame of reference when I picked it up as to what it would be like, having never read any works by Bayard Taylor, not to mention the fact that this book is rather obscure. For the unavailability of hard copies of the book and lack of information on it beyond the basics I was surprised to find it online so easily. I only came across this title by accident when reading a wikipedia article that cited it at purportedly being the 'first gay novel' to come out of the United States. I'll admit this is what initially caught my attention--- I can't ignore that bit of history. I also saw that it was regarded as an enigmatic treatment of homosexuality, and I have to agree with that assessment. I wish I could find other analysis of the novel, but google didn't yield much information and by page two the links didn't have anything to do with the novel. Anyway, the relationship between Joseph and his friend is, from the first moment they meet, more than a typical friendship. Taylor is never overly explicit in what exactly passes between them, but he writes their feelings very clearly, I can't imagine there would be many people who would not be able to read between the lines and see what Taylor meant their relationship to be. However, while this is going on there is also a feeling that seems to imply that he thinks love between people of the same sex, while described pure and true, is merely a passing phase that will disappear when one finds their soul-mate of the opposite sex and then romance transforms into a kind of platonic love or simply friendship as it is normally viewed. Maybe a deeper-thinker than myself could figure out exactly what Taylor was trying to say but from my point of view it is all at once progressive and conservative in the same sweep. Though I suppose it was written in the 1870s, so I don't exactly expect too radical of ideas.
Even though the hints of homosexuality in the book stands out to a contemporary audience, there is much more to the book than that. It is forward thinking in other ways as well. The story is multi-layered and has unexpected turns that are handled gracefully. It is very much in the style of the time, long, descriptive paragraphs and flowery speech. I suppose people who haven't enjoyed other books of the nineteenth century for the style might not like it, but I never felt myself tiring of paragraphs and wanting to skip ahead. In fact, I flew through this book. The story was paced well and the characters interesting and multidimensional, women and men a like. I got the impression that Bayard Taylor was a well-rounded individual with a real interest in every kind of personality and lifestyle. Of course there are things about it that show it's age, despite however futuristic and forward thinking he is he is still a product of his time, but I enjoy that in books and regard it as history. Generally, though this didn't factor much into my feeling on the book and enjoyed it a lot.
Even though the hints of homosexuality in the book stands out to a contemporary audience, there is much more to the book than that. It is forward thinking in other ways as well. The story is multi-layered and has unexpected turns that are handled gracefully. It is very much in the style of the time, long, descriptive paragraphs and flowery speech. I suppose people who haven't enjoyed other books of the nineteenth century for the style might not like it, but I never felt myself tiring of paragraphs and wanting to skip ahead. In fact, I flew through this book. The story was paced well and the characters interesting and multidimensional, women and men a like. I got the impression that Bayard Taylor was a well-rounded individual with a real interest in every kind of personality and lifestyle. Of course there are things about it that show it's age, despite however futuristic and forward thinking he is he is still a product of his time, but I enjoy that in books and regard it as history. Generally, though this didn't factor much into my feeling on the book and enjoyed it a lot.
May 24, 2020
I read this to see what what's been called America's first same-sex novel sounded like, written as it was around 1870. The author, at the end, leaves a bit of plausible deniability, but the story is frank enough in other places to earn the title.
What's interesting is that this isn't just a story of the two main characters. The story is a mystery with a little action thrown in, and it concerns everyone in a town in Pennsylvania. Like much of American literature at the time, it exudes the spirit of the nation captured by Walt Whitman, and the description of Pennsylvania makes you want to go back in time and live there.
...
Edit added here, to give readers this sample from the novel of its 19th century gay sensibility:
If you and I, Philip, stand above the level of common natures, feeling higher needs and claiming other rights, let us shape them according to the law which is above, not that which is below.
and this one ...
They took each other’s hands. The day was fading, the landscape was silent, and only the twitter of nesting birds was heard in the boughs above them. Each gave way to the impulse of his manly love, rarer, alas! but as tender and true as the love of woman, and they drew nearer and kissed each other.
Rare indeed!
What's interesting is that this isn't just a story of the two main characters. The story is a mystery with a little action thrown in, and it concerns everyone in a town in Pennsylvania. Like much of American literature at the time, it exudes the spirit of the nation captured by Walt Whitman, and the description of Pennsylvania makes you want to go back in time and live there.
...
Edit added here, to give readers this sample from the novel of its 19th century gay sensibility:
If you and I, Philip, stand above the level of common natures, feeling higher needs and claiming other rights, let us shape them according to the law which is above, not that which is below.
and this one ...
They took each other’s hands. The day was fading, the landscape was silent, and only the twitter of nesting birds was heard in the boughs above them. Each gave way to the impulse of his manly love, rarer, alas! but as tender and true as the love of woman, and they drew nearer and kissed each other.
Rare indeed!
April 16, 2022
Actual Rating: 3.5
WARNING: SPOILERS
The thing about "Joseph and His Friend" is that it is presented as "America's First Gay Novel", which gives you the expectation that this is going to be something similar to Maurice. And since I loved Maurice, I had really high expectations from this novel, especially towards the end.
I'll start with what I liked about the book. Firstly, Joseph's character growth was literally
~i m m a c u l a t e~. He turned from that shy boy with little to no experience of the world to a man who has seen and learnt a lot about the world. I could literally feel the growth in the way he was being written. I could see that his manner, his dialogue, and a lot of other things about him changed by the time the ending came.
Also, Julia and Joseph's domestic drama was something to die for. It was like experiencing an Indian daily soap (but a better version) happening right in front of me. You can see how she controls him and everything. But, when her control snaps, she snaps too. The conflict of Julia's death and Joseph being frame for it, and then Philip doing everything to save him was so fucking good.
This is why, by the time the novel came to an end, I my expectations were sky high. I just knew that the ending would have Joseph and Philip sitting together in a secluded place and talking about how much they mean to each other, and that would make me tear up. Then I would go on Goodreads and give it 5 bright stars. And that was a reasonable thing to expect, because by the time the climax of the novel came to an end, Joseph and Philip became extremely close. It makes it seem as if both of them are going to live in a little cottage of their own, away from everyone. Just like they were discussing it once! However, sadly, very sadly, that doesn't happen. It's like the author wants you to know that Philip and Joseph are close and do have something between them, but at the same time, the author shows that they will not take it to the next level or devote their lives to solely to each other.
I'm struggling to explain how exactly the ending disappointed me, so I'll say that it's like: Yes, they are gay for each other but they won't explicitly admit it. And in the end, once all the drama is solved, Joseph will fall for Philip's sister instead. And Philip will look at them and resolve to find a woman too.
I think the author was showing that two people of the same-sex won't settle with each other the way they would do with the opposite sex, no matter how much they are in love with each other. He builds all your expectations and then literally within the last paragraph of the novel, he's like, "Boom! Fuck you!". I'm not accusing the author of OmG hOmOpHoBiA! I know it was written years ago, so what else could I expect.
So, to finish it all- I am disappointed by the ending. I know it was silly of me to expect something like Maurice from this. But still, my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
WARNING: SPOILERS
The thing about "Joseph and His Friend" is that it is presented as "America's First Gay Novel", which gives you the expectation that this is going to be something similar to Maurice. And since I loved Maurice, I had really high expectations from this novel, especially towards the end.
I'll start with what I liked about the book. Firstly, Joseph's character growth was literally
~i m m a c u l a t e~. He turned from that shy boy with little to no experience of the world to a man who has seen and learnt a lot about the world. I could literally feel the growth in the way he was being written. I could see that his manner, his dialogue, and a lot of other things about him changed by the time the ending came.
Also, Julia and Joseph's domestic drama was something to die for. It was like experiencing an Indian daily soap (but a better version) happening right in front of me. You can see how she controls him and everything. But, when her control snaps, she snaps too. The conflict of Julia's death and Joseph being frame for it, and then Philip doing everything to save him was so fucking good.
This is why, by the time the novel came to an end, I my expectations were sky high. I just knew that the ending would have Joseph and Philip sitting together in a secluded place and talking about how much they mean to each other, and that would make me tear up. Then I would go on Goodreads and give it 5 bright stars. And that was a reasonable thing to expect, because by the time the climax of the novel came to an end, Joseph and Philip became extremely close. It makes it seem as if both of them are going to live in a little cottage of their own, away from everyone. Just like they were discussing it once! However, sadly, very sadly, that doesn't happen. It's like the author wants you to know that Philip and Joseph are close and do have something between them, but at the same time, the author shows that they will not take it to the next level or devote their lives to solely to each other.
I'm struggling to explain how exactly the ending disappointed me, so I'll say that it's like: Yes, they are gay for each other but they won't explicitly admit it. And in the end, once all the drama is solved, Joseph will fall for Philip's sister instead. And Philip will look at them and resolve to find a woman too.
I think the author was showing that two people of the same-sex won't settle with each other the way they would do with the opposite sex, no matter how much they are in love with each other. He builds all your expectations and then literally within the last paragraph of the novel, he's like, "Boom! Fuck you!". I'm not accusing the author of OmG hOmOpHoBiA! I know it was written years ago, so what else could I expect.
So, to finish it all- I am disappointed by the ending. I know it was silly of me to expect something like Maurice from this. But still, my disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined.
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March 19, 2020For anyone considering reading this book: the edition edited by L.A. Fields is basically a two for one. Between the chapters of Joseph there are short essays elaborating on gay culture of the time, the people who inspired the main characters in the novel and lots of hidden goodies. Well worth a read!
November 17, 2020
A twee relic of its time. Worth reading, however, for its status as America's first gay novel. Obliquely Whitmanian in its discussion of manly love--so straightforward enough to make the point, but not so straightforward as to patently offend the moral sensibilities of late-19th century American readers.
January 24, 2021
Coming-of-age story, domestic drama, and courtroom drama in equal parts, this is really intriguing. The homoerotic friendship between Joseph and Philip -- consummated through caresses and kisses -- is the story's central romantic relationship. The book's other (heterosexual) romances are simply a foil for it. Consistent with this, the apparent recuperation of both men into heterosexuality at the end of the book is less than definite. No woman has yet claimed Philip by the book's last page, so that his heterosexuality is less a fait accompli than aspirational; and as to Joseph... but I won't spoil the ending. Suffice to say that the consequences of his new bond for his and Philip's relationship are at best underdetermined. I really enjoyed the dramatic tension of this book.
June 2, 2018
This is really two books in one. Or maybe a behind-the-scenes novel about another novel. L.A. Fields adds background and context to Bayard Taylor’s novel that fleshes out the story of “America’s First Gay Novel”. And the novel needs it. It’s not a thrilling novel on its own, but it’s place in history is fascinating.
June 21, 2018
For the first American gay book it had a hell of a lot of straight couples XD all the relationships were sexless (not unusual in old books) so it can be argued that the almost asexual nature of the relationship between Philip and Joseph can’t necessarily be faulted as Joseph’s relationship with his wife was much the same
. It was almost odd to read a book where the purity and importance of male love was so adored while being completely without the influence of homophobia and shame. This may be because the relationship was intended to be an asexual one, and the ending of the book seems to confirm this.
In a way I enjoyed the exclusion of (even the idea) homophobia. It gave me a snap shot of what it might be like one day to have gay characters appear in stories in the same way straight couples do and without all the fanfare that this causes these days. Their relationship was very much a sideplot, a background narrative that plays well with the main. The most interesting thing I found was that the whole narrative seems to make a message of; look at this sacred marriage of a straight couple; she’s a psycho cow and he is a victim. Wouldn’t he be better off with Philip? However this whole message is slightly undermined by an ending where Philip sadly watches on as it seems his sister and Joseph fall in love. I have decided bs to that and it was all in his head but that’s hardly cannon...
. It was almost odd to read a book where the purity and importance of male love was so adored while being completely without the influence of homophobia and shame. This may be because the relationship was intended to be an asexual one, and the ending of the book seems to confirm this.
In a way I enjoyed the exclusion of (even the idea) homophobia. It gave me a snap shot of what it might be like one day to have gay characters appear in stories in the same way straight couples do and without all the fanfare that this causes these days. Their relationship was very much a sideplot, a background narrative that plays well with the main. The most interesting thing I found was that the whole narrative seems to make a message of; look at this sacred marriage of a straight couple; she’s a psycho cow and he is a victim. Wouldn’t he be better off with Philip? However this whole message is slightly undermined by an ending where Philip sadly watches on as it seems his sister and Joseph fall in love. I have decided bs to that and it was all in his head but that’s hardly cannon...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2016
Turn the flame down, the pot's aboilin'! I liked how the main character had no idea about what his feelings were for His Friend-made for an interesting read. But the homoeroticism is a secondary theme, just so you know...
July 17, 2011
Second Bayard Taylor short novel that I've read and like the writing style as well as the ahead of his time theology and social consciousness.
August 23, 2025
"The opening of the individual life to the knowledge of power and passion and all the possibilities of the world is kept more secret than sin. Love is hidden as if it were a reproach; friendship watched, lest it express its warmth too frankly; joy and grief and doubt and anxiety repressed as much as possible. A great lid is shut down upon the human race. They must painfully stoop and creep, instead of standing erect with only God's heaven over their heads. I am lonely, but I know not how to cry for companionship; my words would not be understood, or, if they were, would not be answered"
I finally plucked Joseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvania by Baynard Taylor from my bowl of TBR titles. Hailed as America's first gay novel, Baynard's story introduces Joseph Aster, a young man reared in the country by his moralizing Aunt Rachel. He is young and inexperienced when he falls under the spell of Julia Blessing, an older woman from the city. It isn’t until after they’re married that Joseph begins to realize there is something much darker in her nature than he originally thought. And the imperfect love he has for Julia is further diminished by the true love he feels for his friend, Philip.
Listen, if a man as handsome as Philip Held rescued me during a train accident, I’d be obsessed too. And Julia is a fun villain! I wish there had been even more of her icy sister Clementina. Maybe it would’ve infused the story with a touch more fun or excitement. Julia is a role I can easily see inhabited by someone like Bette Davis if an adaptation had been produced in the 1930s. What a character! I read The Custom of the Country earlier this year, and although she’s not quite as vile as Undine Spragg, they’re certainly spiritual cousins. But really, as the title suggests, Joseph is at the heart of this story. In the early chapter, he’s such an earnest and sweet young man. I felt terrible for him as he found himself ensnared in Julia’s web. Above that, it’s a country vs. city story. Nearly everyone person from the city that Joseph encounters is superficial or greedy. The country folk are much kinder but are not spared from criticism either. They can be rigid and puritanical, like Mr. Chaffinch.
“O Philip, if we could make our lives wholly our own!” Joseph laments. “If we could find a spot—”
“I know such a spot!” Philip gushes back. “A great valley, bounded by a hundred miles of snowy peaks; lakes in its bed; enormous hillsides, dotted with groves of ilex and pine; orchards of orange and olive; a perfect climate, where it is bliss enough just to breathe, and freedom from the distorted laws of men, for none are near enough to enforce them! … I will go with you, and perhaps—perhaps—”
So, how is Joseph and His Friend, a gay novel? In that lovely, subtle 19th century way of emphasizing the natural beauty of male friendship and some spiritual, masculine bond. Joseph and Philip embrace and share a yearning for a better, freer life, but that’s as far as the text really goes. The story ends on a rather sad note for Philip once Joseph marries his sister. Pretty on par for what I was expecting, but I hadn’t anticipated the delight of Julia’s scheming! I do sincerely wish I had purchased an annotated edition of this text with more supplemental material, which is how I recommend any new readers approach this text.
“They are swiftly coming to the knowledge of each other; will it take Joseph further from my heart, or bring him nearer? It ought to fill me with perfect joy, yet there is a little sting of pain somewhere. My life had settled down so peacefully into what seemed a permanent form; with Madeline to make a home and brighten it for me, and Joseph to give me the precious intimacy of a man's love, so different from woman's, yet so pure and perfect! They have destroyed my life, although they do not guess it. Well, I must be vicariously happy, warmed in my lonely sphere by the far radiation of their nuptial bliss, seeing a faint reflection of some parts of myself in their children, nay, claiming and making them mine as well, if it is meant that my own blood should not beat in other hearts.
August 9, 2023
I hoped for more to develop between Joseph and Philip but neither fulfilment nor heartbreak between them came.
It's far more about Joseph and his friends' search for suitable matrimonial partners than it is about the relationship between Joseph and 'His Friend' from the title. The moral strictures of the era permitting, I had expecting the 3 or 4 paragraphs on their "manly love" for one another was building to an ending which would be more ambiguous, leaving the door open for an even closer bond between the two. But no, it feels like the pars on "manly love" are not affected by nor affect the plot, and as such come across as an afterthought.
It could have been more satisfying with a more open ending on Joseph and Philip's relationship without needing to be explicit or offending the sensibilities of readers of the day any more than certain other paragraphs may have.
Nevertheless, it was an interesting insight into the lives and mores of the time. I won't be returning to it though.
It's far more about Joseph and his friends' search for suitable matrimonial partners than it is about the relationship between Joseph and 'His Friend' from the title. The moral strictures of the era permitting, I had expecting the 3 or 4 paragraphs on their "manly love" for one another was building to an ending which would be more ambiguous, leaving the door open for an even closer bond between the two. But no, it feels like the pars on "manly love" are not affected by nor affect the plot, and as such come across as an afterthought.
It could have been more satisfying with a more open ending on Joseph and Philip's relationship without needing to be explicit or offending the sensibilities of readers of the day any more than certain other paragraphs may have.
Nevertheless, it was an interesting insight into the lives and mores of the time. I won't be returning to it though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
Definitely a product of its era, and although the court case was an interesting twist, a lot of this was a slog to get through. Joseph’s relationship with Philip is especially interesting for this era.
January 3, 2025
very gay
September 2, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised reading this beautiful novel.
Joseph is an absolute sweetheart who is taken advantage of by some cruel people in his life. Luckily he has an amazingboyfriend Philip who saves him on multiple occasions with the powers of their Manly Love™
One of many adorable quotes:
Regarding the ending, I consider it open because it's only Philip's speculation... It just made me lean back in my chair and say "Ha ha ha. What a story, Philip."
Joseph and Philip are obviously going to live gaily ever after together.
Joseph is an absolute sweetheart who is taken advantage of by some cruel people in his life. Luckily he has an amazing
One of many adorable quotes:
Meanwhile, Joseph and his guests sat on the veranda, in the still, mild air. He drew his chair near to Philip's, their hands closed upon each other, and they were entirely happy in the tender and perfect manly love which united them.
Regarding the ending, I consider it open because it's only Philip's speculation... It just made me lean back in my chair and say "Ha ha ha. What a story, Philip."
Joseph and Philip are obviously going to live gaily ever after together.
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April 17, 20221870
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