The Cushing Library/Women & Gender Studies copy was acquired as part of The Don Kelly Research Collection of Gay Literature and Culture.,TXA

Includes bibliographical references (page 303) and index.

When Rechy's City of Night first appeared in 1963, it was greeted with fanfare and horror. The unapologetically sexual story of a gay hustler shocked readers with its frank treatment of a subject most chose to pretend did not exist. More shocking was Rechy's revelation that the book was largely autobiographical. For a street hustler to reach widespread literary acclaim was unheard-of, especially if he was gay. Rechy continued to publish explosive novels, even as he continued hustling seedy Hollywood Boulevard, and soon became part of the new literary elite. Casillo examines the dichotomy of Rechy's life as both a respected author and professor and a tough-as-nails sex worker. Working closely with Rechy himself as well as his family, friends, admirers, and colleagues, Casillo presents a complex portrait of a man who found sexual liberation through prostitution and used it to create a vivid and influential artistic legacy.--From publisher description.

SACFinal081324