The Male Muse: A Gay Anthology

by Ian Young (Editor)

Book by

Genres: Poetry, LGBT, Anthologies

127 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1973

About the author

Ian Young is an English-Canadian poet, editor, literary critic, and historian. An alumnus of the University of Toronto, he founded Canada's first gay publishing company, Catalyst Press, in 1970. His work has appeared in Canadian Notes & Queries, The Gay & Lesbian Review Worldwide, Rites and Continuum, as well as in more than fifty anthologies. He was a regular columnist for The Body Politic from 1975 to 1985 and for Torso between 1991 and 2008.

Young is best known for his work as editor of the anthology The Gay Muse and the bibliography The Male Homosexual in Literature. He was interested in ceremonial magic during the 1980s and was a founding member of the Hermetic Order of the Silver Sword.

His most recent book, Encounters with Authors (2013), featured historical and critical essays on the work of three noted Canadian LGBT writers, Scott Symons, Robin Hardy and Norman Elder. [wikipedia]

Reviews

[George Ilsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 1970s anthology with a Canadian editor from Britain featuring mostly poets from the U.S.

Wide range of poetry canvassing now familiar themes, arranged alphabetically by author's name.

The seventies have become so long ago and far away this volume has achieved historical resonance.

At the time, this anthology was daring.

[TA Inskeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important gay anthologies *ever*. An absolute must-read for any fan of gay poetry.

[birchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

GAY RIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likable early (1973) collection of gay poems. The subjects and themes are predictable but well executed—lust, sex, and the dynamics of gay men coupling. The section points to a sort of life cycle of gay desire. “I Want to Sleep with Toshiro Mifune” let me feel seen.

[orion · Rating 4 out of 5]

good . a little blonder than i wouldve liked . and some resonated with me more than others but ,, it’s an anthology so

[x.urlittleflea.o · Rating 5 out of 5]

picked this up at work today. truly a special anthology. quite a few gems in here and would recommend picking it up if you can get a copy 🖤