Edge

by Jeff Mann

Mann introduces you to people and places that inspire him. His physical journeys - to gay meccas like Key West and provincetown and overseas to Germany, Ireland and Scotland - lead to examination of gay history, family legacy, and the journey from youth's unrequited passions to mature adult relationships.

Genres: Nonfiction, LGBT, Memoir

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Jeff Mann’s poetry, fiction, and essays have appeared in many publications, including Prairie Schooner, Shenandoah, Laurel Review and The Gay and Lesbian Review Worldwide. He has published three award-winning poetry chapbooks, Bliss, Mountain Fireflies, and Flint Shards from Sussex; two full-length books of poetry, Bones Washed with Wine and On the Tongue; a collection of personal essays, Edge: Travels of an Appalachian Leather Bear; a book of poetry and memoir, Loving Mountains, Loving Men; and a short fiction volume, A History of Barbed Wire, which won a Lambda Literary Award. He teaches creative writing at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Reviews

[Sean Meriwether · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps knowing Jeff Mann personally has influenced my judgment in reading Edge: Travels of an Appalachian Leather Bear, but I would have enjoyed this collection without that relationship. Mann is a worldly individual with a penchant for travelling outside of his beloved Appalachia, a man who indulges his appetites for food and drink, and one who has an artist’s eye for appreciating the beauty of men. His character is woven into these poetic stories and he comes across on the page as clearly as he does in person. Jeff is a complex individual, one who is fiercely protective of his friends and lovers, a kind and poetic soul, but despite his polite upbringing has a very low tolerance for those who are loud, obnoxious or boring (god forbid you are all three!). Then his entire soul bristles, but he avenges himself with witty barbs that border on the side of Wilde (and these I think I enjoyed as much as the descriptions of the mustachioed he-men that attract his eye.) As good as Edge is, I prefer another of his publications, Loving Mountains, Loving Men, which is a memoir/essay/poetry collection that shows the true heart of this Southern gentleman.

[📚Linda Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mann’s perspective as an Appalachian and college professor, but really nothing too profound for me. I particularly found the essay “Teaching Gay and Lesbian Literature” interesting. His characterization of Gen Z students was spot on to my experience as one who has created content and taught college level students in this group.

[Raven · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Karin Wollina · Rating 5 out of 5]

very much enjoyed these essays