Who's a Pretty Boy, Then?: One Hundred and Fifty Years of Gay Life in Pictures

by James Gardiner

A pictorial cruise through a century of gay culture by the author of A Class Apart.

Genres: History, LGBT, Gay, Nonfiction, Queer, Art, Reference

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

As a man who has lived a colorful life including sports accolades, pursuing a Hollywood celebrity lifestyle, his own television show, personal and business coaching, and even a Chippendale bow tie, James has now embarked on traveling and speaking about his powerful new memoir, All in with Love: my journey to the hero within. This book chronicles his amazing life experiences and accomplishments as well as showcases how he turned poor choices and failure into a recipe for personal growth. But above all it is a story of reconnection. Of getting back to the wonder and curiosity of the inner child and living life to its glorious potential. Beautifully and compellingly written, his story telling is not only entertaining its readers but also providing them with deep introspective questions and thoughts about life and their younger selves.

Reviews

[Félix Steves · Rating 5 out of 5]

El libro de James Gardiner se erige como una antología visual que trasciende las simples imágenes de la comunidad LGBTQ+, ofreciendo una mirada profunda y conmovedora sobre la experiencia homosexual a lo largo de la historia. A través de más de 600 fotografías, retratos y postales, Gardiner presenta una narrativa óptica rica en matices que refleja la lucha social del colectivo gay, así como su búsqueda incesante de identidad y aceptación en un mundo marcado por el prejuicio.

Cada imagen captura no solo a los homosexuales, sino también a sus ídolos, amigos y las figuras que han moldeado sus realidades, resaltando la belleza y la complejidad de sus experiencias. Al evitar la superficialidad de la fotografía comercial, estas imágenes se convierten en testimonios íntimos que revelan las emociones crudas y auténticas de personas a menudo marginadas.

La obra de Gardiner es un recordatorio poderoso de que detrás de cada fotografía hay una historia, una memoria y un deseo de pertenencia. Este libro no solo documenta momentos efímeros, sino que también reivindica la visibilidad de un colectivo que ha sido histórico y sistemáticamente incomprendido. En esencia, el trabajo de Gardiner invita a reflexionar sobre el legado y la resistencia de la comunidad LGBTQ+ en un marco de lucha social necesario y urgente.
...

James Gardiner's book stands as a visual anthology that transcends simple images of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a deep and moving look at the homosexual experience throughout history. Through more than 600 photographs, portraits and postcards, Gardiner presents a narrative rich in nuances that reflects the social struggle of the gay community, as well as their incessant search for identity and acceptance in a world marked by prejudice.

Each image captures not only gay people, but also their idols, friends, and the figures who have shaped their realities, highlighting the beauty and complexity of their experiences. By avoiding the superficiality of commercial photography, these images become intimate testimonies that reveal the raw and authentic emotions of often marginalized people.

Gardiner's work is a powerful reminder that behind every photograph there is a story, a memory, and a desire to belong. This book not only documents ephemeral moments, but also vindicates the visibility of a group that has been historically and systematically misunderstood. In essence, Gardiner's work invites us to reflect on the legacy and resistance of the LGBTQ+ community in a framework of necessary and urgent social struggle.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Grade = 88% - B

Published 1996. 224 pages.

A photographic history of gay life, mostly in London and England from 1850 - 1995.

Interesting.....

[Katharine Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wide-ranging and interesting.