Book Review: My Dear Boy

My Dear Boy

Gay Love Letters Through the Centuries

Editor:                            Rictor Norton

Publisher:                      Leyland Publications

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             278

Genre:                            non-fiction

Published:                     1998

ISBN:                             9780943595719

 This book is well written and well produced. It has a few black and white photos, paintings and drawings within. It should be noted that there is a little nudity, but this is very tasteful and artistic.

 This book is exactly what it says on the cover, it presents love letters between male loves thorough history. It is amazing that so many gay love letters have survived.

 The introduction makes a very excellent point that while some have tried to claim that homosexuality s a modern invention. That claim is as ridiculous as claiming there were no alcoholics before Magnus Huss "discovered" alcoholism in 1852.

 Each entry starts out describing the writer and recipient of the letters and then often shows some written correspondence back and forth between them.

 We start off reading of Alexander the Great and his lovers, the we move on to Marcus Aurelius who funnily enough equated his desire for his male lover with being thirsty after a great fever. After that we move to ancient China and a love story that might just bring a tear to the eye.
 I will also mention that some of there solve letters come from saints, monks and clerics.

 The stories come from all over the world, Germany, Portugal, China, Rome, Japan, Italy, Brittan, France, America among other locations. 

 Some of the authors i knew while others were a mystery to me. Some more famous names included; Hans Christian Anderson, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, King Ludwing II, Pior, Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michelangelo, King James, Alexander Hamilton, Lord Byron, William Burroughs, TS Elliot, Edward Carpenter, Oscar Wilde, Countee Cullen, TE Lawrence and Allen Ginsberg.

 This is a fascinating and very important work. Australians LGBTQ community is currently going through a hate campaign enabled by the right wing government, in it every Australian will get to vote on if LGBTQ people should have equal marriage rights. During this horrible "debate" i have hear much vilification and many threats against LGBTQ individuals, family's and youth. But the worst was probably one woman. She was arguing that LOVE was between a man and a woman, not marriage, no she was adamant that only a man and a woman could love. For more on what kind of people are voting on our rights read the #TheyGettoVote hashtag on Twitter.

 Anyway i highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in history, or LGBTQ issues. If fact if your going to comment publicly on LGBTQ issues you have a responsibility to educate your self on those issues. You should read this book. This book should be in every high school, perhaps an edited version with some pictures removed if necessary, but it needs to be there.

Book Review: Haunted & Mysterious Australia

 Haunted & Mysterious Australia

Bunyips, yowies, phantoms and other strange phenomena

Author:                          Tim the Yowie Man

Publisher:                      New Holland Publishers

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             189

Genre:                            non-fiction

Published:                     (First: 2006) This edition: 2017

ISBN:                             9781742579436

 The first thing you will notice in this large book is the big colorful photos, but fear not, this isn't just a picture book, it also devotes most of the page to text describing the mystery in common language. Its refreshing to see such vibrant pictures in a book like this.

 There is a map of Australia in the front of the book which shows the location of the phenomenon and on which page you'll find it. 

 Tim the Yowie Man takes a logical but skeptical look at a lot of different Australian mysteries including; spooklights, ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, a fishman, fairy, crop circles, haunted shipwrecks, lake monsters, poltergeists, vanishing lakes, ghosts, yowies, out of place animals, standing stones, haunted cars, surviving prehistoric creatures, UFO's, a levitating beer glass, sacred sites, mysterious geological formations, geoglyphs, cryptids, rock art, ghost ships, and haunted buildings among other subjects.

 I really like that this book is written from an Australian perspective, and it was interesting to see Tim the Yowie Man's own clearly marked encounter within it. Its also really refreshing to see stories that i have not heard of before alongside the famous ones.

 There is a bibliography in the back and a really interesting list of Australian ghost tours. 

 This is an excellent book and one worth having on every bookshelf. The only criticism i could have against this book is that the page numbers are a little bit difficult to read. If your at all interested in Cryptozoology, Paranormal activity, history or Australian culture you have to grab yourself a copy of this book.

FULL SCORE

Book Review: Intermediate types among Primitive folk

 Intermediate types among Primitive folk

Author:                          Edward Carpenter

Publisher:                      George Allen & Unwin Limited

Type:                              Hard Cover

Pages:                            174

Genre:                            non-fiction

Published:                     1911

ISBN:                             Unknown

 This is an old book, its pages roughly cut and i had to read it in short bouts as its ancient pages brought on sneezing fits.

 This amazing work looks at the why of queer (LGBTQ) people, why did homosexuality evolve, what is its purpose? And in doing so it shows how influential queers have been to the development of civilisation. It is not difficult to read though and avoids using too many "university speak terms." It remains highly accessible to the novice reader.

 I often write notes when i know i am going to review a book, and i have filled two double sides of A4 pages with brief notes to refresh my memory of things i thought were fundamentally important. 

 Do no t fear i am not going to write about everything this book entails. I will note that it does use some antiquated language and has some old fashioned beliefs, but considering it was partly written in 1907 i am sure that can be forgiven. 

 The book looks at the role queer people have had through many different civilisations in our history.  We see again that queer members of society have filled valued positions in the past and such people were seen as a blessing to the group.

 This work is well thought out, excellently explained and logicly reasoned. It shows that being queer is of course natural and proposes that civilisation itself may have relied upon queer people to develop. It shows that queers being outside the usual masculine/feminine roles had time and inclination to think, to developed new ideas and look at problems from a different perspective. It shows that queers were a forward force in human evolution giving us amazing advances in religion, science, invention, art, crafting, healing, philosophy, music dance and poetry, 

 There is also chapters on "hermaphrodites", women, and the Samurai. In addition to a conclusion and index.

 Before talking about what is traditional, (yes this book does demonstrate some traditional same sex marriages through history), you need to read this book. Before talking about what is natural or best for society you need to have read this book. It should be required reading for everyone commenting on queer issues. It should be in every high school and university library.

 It is extremely shameful that we had this knowledge way back on 1907 and homophobic bigots in Australia are still trying to deny queer rights.

 

Book Review: The Song Of Achillies

 The Song Of Achilles

Author:                          Madeline Miller

Publisher:                      Bloomsbury

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             352

Genre:                            based on a true story

Published:                      2011

ISBN:                              978-1-4088-1702-5


 This is a large softcover with metallic gold card just behind the cover i am not quite sure if that make it a special edition or something but it is beautiful. Its a historical novel so sadly no artwork adorns the pages. 

 Everyone should know the story of Patroclus they are one of the most famous gay couples in history. While most focus on the abduction of Helen and the siege of Troy this work actually fills in the gaps in the historical record of the love between the two men.

 If you have ever considered watching the movie Troy, don't as it encourages straight-washing, pick up a copy of this book instead. 

 You will know the fate of the protagonists but the beauty is in the journey. And it is a beautiful journey brought alive by a talented writer. keep in mind this isn't erotica and everything is kept very tasteful. 
  
 This is a great book, it should be read by anyone who doesn't understand the gays. It should be on every high school library shelf. You should read this book.

 Homophobes often forget that humanity has a very queer history as is being demonstrated in Australia as the LGBTQ community is being defamed and terrorised by bigots (some Nazi, some not) arguing we shouldn't have equal rights. Just today A homophobic politician Cory Bernardi has claimed that marriage equality is a "rainbow Trojan horse" he is rather silly so he probably doesn't realise the irony of his statement.

 

Book Review: The ghosts of toowong cemetery

 The ghosts of Toowong cemetery

Brisbane's Necropolis

Author:                          Jack Sim

Publisher:                      Jack Sim

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             40

Genre:                            Non-Fiction

Published:                      2012

ISBN:                              9780975796023

 This is a small book with no spine. It was actually given to me by a friend. There are numerous black and white photographs.  The text is of good size and clear. The book even has a map of all the locations in the cemetery in the back!

 The book deals with the areas of Toowong Cemetery that are haunted or have had paranormal activity reported there.  Some of the uncanny goings on includes strange lights, disembodied voices, found bodies, Nazi- vandalism, moving statues, vampires, ghostly apparitions, haunted celebrity graves, grim reaper sightings, witchcraft, mysterious blood, wailing women, and death parades.

 The cemetery is also home to a spook hill one of many found around the world. You know the story park your car at the bottom of the hill and wait as unseen forces will push your car up the hill, defying gravity and the rules of the living. 

 Each place is given much explanation, with history and legends well explained. Unfortunately the cemetery is locked up at night but there are tours that have access. 

 One company Brisbane Ghost Tours was established by the author of this book. 

  This is a really good book, excellent for anyone interested in ghosts, the and paranormal of course. But just as interesting for those interested in the history of Brisbane in particular and Australia in general.

Book Review: Colouring the Rainbow

Colouring the Rainbow

Blak Queer and Trans Perspectives

Life Stories and Essays by First Nations People of Australia

Editor:                          Dino Hodge

Publisher:                     Wakefield Press

Type:                              Soft Cover

Pages:                             252

Genre:                            non-fiction

Published:                      2015

ISBN:                              9781743053935

 This book is exactly as described on the cover, we have stories and essays about being both Aboriginal and Queer. 
 While some of the essays delve a little too deeply into "UNI-speak" for me personally, i still found them interesting reads. 

 The real gems here though are the true life stories, we see Australians fighting for basic human rights in our modern world while struggling to keep their inherent spirituality. 
We hear of people who survived horrific accounts of homophobia / transphobia, in isolated outback town. 
We hear gut wrenching stories of bullying, violence, discrimination and the depression and suicide that this can cause. Reading this it reminds me jut how important the Safe Schools program is, and how instead of being scraped it should become mandatory in all schools. Surely the fact that the vocal opponents of Safe Schools  do not want LGBTQ children to survive until adulthood, is a perfect example of why Safe Schools is so needed. Sorry i digress.

 We also find within tales of acceptance, and did you know that before invasion/colonisation at least some tribes accepted LGBTQ people as they recognised the natural diversity of human sexuality. If you want to talk about traditional marriage in Australia you would have to start here.

 We hear how at least one contributor is trying to make amends for their own homophobic behavior, which they adopted at school as a way to protect themselves, yet another example of the need for Safe Schools.

 One poor soul even drew the reportedly malicious attentions of the, (legally confirmed) racist and  homophobic (by his own words) Andrew Bolt. you may remember Andrew Bolt from his recent major hussy-fit after he (by his own admission) violently "assaulted" someone for merely playing a prank on him. Andrew Bolt's defenders are saying that Bolt should escape charges because Bolt's homophobia runs so deep that the mere physical contact with glitter enrages him into hysterical violent attacks.
I should note that as of this writing charges of assault have yet to be applied to him, and i believe he is trying to play the victim in this encounter, it seems apparent that the mainstream media are quite willing to side with him.
 But that event was only recent and is not related to the matter in this book, it would appear Andrew Bolt has a long history of seemingly attacking minority's while being a very sensitive snowflake himself. 

 Please for your own safety do not try and enlighten Andrew Bolt by sprinkling glitter about him or his person. In fact its best not to glitter anyone against their wishes, no matter how disgusting they are.

 

 The book has an extensive notes section, glossary, bibliography and index. I would highly recommend this book if your interested in Australian history, LGBTQ issue, or Aboriginal Australians.
 Every commentator on Aboriginal, or LGBTQ issues in Australia should read this book before next opening their mouths, or putting finger to keys.

 Why does the media consult homophobes about LGBT issues and racists about Aboriginal issues? It just seems ass-backwards to me, why don't we instead see the opinions of scholars and the people these issues actually effect. It would be like the media getting the opinion of the Nazi groups every time a local Jewish school held a fete, no one wants or needs their opinion!

                                         Helpful Links:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community Website. 

NAIDOC Week

ACON Aids council of NSW

QuAC QLD Aids council

Open Doors Youth Service

Beyond Blue 

Australian Pride Network

Book Review: Pans Daughter

 Pans Daughter

The Magical World of Rosaleen Norton

 Revised and Expanded

 

Author:                             Nevill Drury

Publisher:                         Mandrake of oxford

Type:                                 Hard Cover

Pages:                                305

Genre:                               non-fiction

Published:                         2013

ISBN:                                9781906958503

 The book does not have a dust cover but has a lovely colored printed hardcover. Its dimensions are about  156 x 232 x 28mm and it has black and white photos, copy's of Rosaleen Norton's art thorough and there is even a few sigils.
 The book is very well made and printed well. I did notice only two minor errors, the word to where it was superfluous (P83) and the word "was" instead of "as" (p87), so noting major at all.

 The book is an overview of the life of Rosaleen Norton and her associates and contemporary's. Today she would probably be referred to as a Pagan artist. Although mention is made of her magical journals very little of her occult information is included within this book.

 I had heard about Rosaleen occasionally growing up, she has a reputation as "the witch of Kings Cross" and i had always wondered if she was legit. The poem written by her in 1962 and reproduced in this book was enough to confirm for me that she had esoteric knowledge. Indeed it is explained that some of her influences included; psychology, general occultism, ceremonial magic, voodoo, the golden dawn, pantheism, Greek mythology, hypnosis, medium-ship, and a welsh tradition of witchcraft said to have arrived in Australia during the colonial era.
 Her description of the Werplon seemed to have an almost lovecraftian flair to it.
 

It seems much like Alister Crowley (who is detailed within the book) she had a public persona so it is difficult to separate that from whom she really was. For instance she claimed to practice in black magic but there seems to be no examples of her doing any such thing. This may instead be to her upbringing, anything non-christian may have been seen as "black magic" by people in Australia before the 1970s.

Her interview with the psychologist Dr. LJ Murphy is interesting as it outlines Rosaleen's methods in developing her natural ability's. It is quite fascinating to hear her attempt to explain the nature of reality in 1960's mundane world speak. While the words she chose differed than those i would have, it is reminiscent of many conversations i have had with many an occultist and laymen over the years.

Rosaleen Norton's assertion that she preferred sex with homosexual men is a little odd. Not that there is anything wrong with having sex with gay men, i myself prefer gay men over straight men, because while straight men are always enthusiastic they don't always want to cuddle after, but i am a guy. 
 Perhaps she had a different understanding of "homosexual back then, maybe she simply meant submissive, effeminate or or even bisexual men. She might have considered the every man who had ever had sex with another man to be homosexual, hell if that were true today we would no longer be a minority.

 The book uses the proper BCE and CE terminology which is always refreshing. It has numbered notes at the end of each chapter and a detailed bibliography and index is included.

  All in all i  really enjoyed this book. Pick it up if your interested in Australian History, feminism, sex magic, Paganism, astral travel, witchcraft, NDE (or PDE), occultism, law, ceremonial magic, art or Australian culture.