The Homosexual Outlook

The publication of these two very different books, indicates the increasing frankness with which the subject of homosexuality can nowadays be discussed; it is not many years since the word was practically unusable in newspaper or novel. Not unnaturally such past repression, even of discussion, has led now to some highly emotional pronouncements and illogical attitudes of our present society, which is only the latest chapter in the story of homosexuality's varying place in various civilisations and cultures through the ages. Few would deny that the subject needs more objective research but ostensibly neither of the writers of these books sets out to give it. Mr. Webster Cory's approach is entitled "a subjective approach" and is "the result of a quarter of a century of participation in American life as a homosexual". Mr. Croft-Cooke's book is a passionate outpouring after his conviction and prison sentence on a charge of a homosexual offence : and while the blurb on the dust cover is correct in saying "his views are likely to arouse controversy", it is perhaps optimistic to think that "they are certain to command respect", for his criticisms of the police and prison system will be bitterly resented by some. His effusion is of course very understandable, not least as an abreaction to his sufferings, but it is questionable if his book will go far towards remedying the ills which he attacks, as he makes little effort to indicate constructive solutions of the