Sodom on the Thames: Sex, Love, and Scandal in Wilde Times

by Morris Kaplan

Sodom on the Thames looks closely at three episodes involving sex between men in late-nineteenth-century England. Morris Kaplan draws on extensive research into court records, contemporary newspaper accounts, personal correspondence and diaries, even a pornographic novel. He focuses on two notorious scandals and one quieter incident. In 1871, transvestites "Stella" (Ernest Boulton) and "Fanny" (Frederick Park), who had paraded around London's West End followed by enthusiastic admirers, were tried for conspiracy to commit sodomy. In 1889–1890, the "Cleveland Street affair" revealed that telegraph delivery boys had been moonlighting as prostitutes for prominent gentlemen, one of whom fled abroad. In 1871, Eton schoolmaster William Johnson resigned in disgrace, generating shockwaves among the young men in his circle whose romantic attachments lasted throughout their lives. Kaplan shows how profoundly these scandals influenced the trials of Oscar Wilde in 1895 and contributed to growing anxiety about male friendships. Sodom on the Thames reconstructs these incidents in rich detail and gives a voice to the diverse people involved. It deepens our understanding of late Victorian attitudes toward urban culture, masculinity, and male homoeroticism. Kaplan also explores the implications of such historical narratives for the contemporary politics of sexuality.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, LGBT, Sexuality, Queer

328 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 2005

Reviews

[Hotavio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Law enthusiast Morris Kaplan investigates low and high profile cases against alleged sodomists in 19th century Britain. More interesting than the books crossdressers, noble pedaphiles, and pederasts is what these cases and their noteriety say about challenges to the social class structures in the era. The book has its moments of humor and shock ("Socratic" love in public schools), making it fairly easy and enjoyable to read. At times, it is fairly long winded, when simple analysis of evidence could suffice, but Kaplan loves to play out the high drama of the court room and/or historical correspondence.

[Danny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The middle section drags, the rest of the book is a fascinating look at the intersections of sex and class in late Victorian England, setting the famous Wilde trial in its full context.

[CC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good information and analysis in here! Very much a labour of love.

Note: there are some sections that drag on a bit. The author being a lawyer no doubt led them to leave almost every little detail in, so there’s a lot. Though you can just skim these bits! :)

Would say you’d have to be very interested in the topic to actually finish it. It is a very in depth look at the court cases and the Victorian press response. It also exclusively looks at men (gay, bisexual or otherwise) - nothing wrong with this, but if looking for a book that fully examines LGBTQ+ experiences during the Victorian era, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

[Shannon Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is as compelling and readable as a novel...it's entertaining, well researched, and has a bit of suspense while also be both a sociological and legal study of Victorian England's changing class structure and morals. I've enjoyed this completely, and while it's a bit intellectual vs. my usual fare, I feel both entertained and improved by reading it.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaplan's rigorously researched and well-written book is absorbing – as titillating as it is thoughtful. The book's four parts each cover a particular scandal, and are then further divided into titled sections. At times it feels disjointed, like a collection of essays grouped by topic (Kaplan does note that some sections were previously published as stand-alone works), but this doesn't necessarily detract from the readability. Most sections are woven together masterfully, and inserting some voices throughout the book, like Regy Brett's, provides a broader perspective that connects them all. Thankfully Kaplan resisted a more academic framework and focused on the narratives, with only a bit of (lucid) analysis at the end. It should appeal to both casual readers and researchers.

[Roof Beam Reader (Adam) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
http://classiclit.about.com/od/nonfic...

[Teddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only read the first third for an essay. EXTREMELY well-researched, and very useful and informative. Exactly the sources I needed and was looking for.