first edition
by LGBTQ, Lesbian Pulp
Archive of five early lesbian pulp novels, many of which are written by women. Archive includes five novels written from the 1950s-70s. Novels run between 150 and 250 pages and measure about 4.25" x 7". Most covers feature two women in romantic poses in vintage pulp style. Most pulps during the time were written by men under pen names, making some of these authors and titles unique. Some in this archive featured in Barbara Grier's A tier or above, meaning they contain major lesbian characters and plotlines. Some written by women exploring their lesbian identity, while others were openly queer, a rarity at the time. Included in this archive is Edge of Twilight, a novel written by lesbian Paula Christian which has earned Griers A*** rating, which makes the novel a distinguished piece of lesbian literature written at a time when it was highly censored. Archive includes:
[1] Christian, Paula [Pen name for MacManus, Yvonne]. Edge of Twilight. New York: Crest Books, 1959. First edition. Early Lesbian Pulp Mass Market Paperback. 158 pages, 7" x 4.5." Lesbian pulp novel with vibrant art cover image of a blonde woman looking down in dismay, while a brunette woman watches from just behind. Front caption reads, "One of the most candid and challenging novels ever written about today's women who dare to live in that outcast world of 'twilight' love." Back wrapper is light blue, with a brief summary of the characters, Val and Toni. Bottom blurb reads, "A refreshingly realistic treatment of women who are 'different.' Without the usual tragic and doomed atmosphere." Brightly colored and in very good condition.
[2] Aldrich, Ann [Pen name of Marijane Meaker]. Carol, in a Thousand Cities. Greenwich, CT: Fawcett Publications 1960. First edition. 256 pages, 4.5 x 7 inches. Title derives from a Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt. Landmark collection of stories about lesbian life, both fiction and nonfiction. Aldrich and Highsmith were in a relationship for two years; their love affair inspired the former to create this volume. Includes work by Freud, Simone de Beauvoir, Francoise Mallet, and more. In very good condition.
[3] Flora, Fletcher. Take Me Home. Connecticut: Monarch Books, 1959. First Edition lesbian pulp with cover confirming: "First Publication in Book Form." 156 pages. Measures 4.25" x 7". Cover features two women on a bright red backdrop, with one caressing another as she sits on a couch. Plot follows Ivy Galvin who, falls in love with Lila Douglas, another woman. Tagline reads: "Their love was Forbidden." Featured in Grier for having significant lesbian characters and action. Cover is vibrant and pages are clean. Rare to find a 1950's Lesbian pulp. In very good condition.
[4] Roberts, Herb [Pen name for Robert Carney]. Strange Wife. New York: Softcover Library, 1970. First edition mass-market lesbian pulp. The cover tagline is, "What would you do if you were married to a lesbian?" Lesbian pulp fiction novel from the author of "Love in the Shadows". Front wrapper art bears bright, colorful illustration by George Alvara of a blonde woman in a man's embrace. 154 pages, 4" x 7." Price marking on front page. Very good condition.
[5] Hilton, Hilary [Pen name of Keith Ayling]. The Shadowy Sex. New York: Softcover Library, 1970. First edition mass-market lesbian pulp. The plot follows a restaurant hostess named Lena whose affair with an account executive spirals into a lesbian love affair. The tagline reads: "A revealingly frank novel of women who love women because they fear to love men." In very good condition.
Archive in overall very good condition. (Inventory #: 21039)
[1] Christian, Paula [Pen name for MacManus, Yvonne]. Edge of Twilight. New York: Crest Books, 1959. First edition. Early Lesbian Pulp Mass Market Paperback. 158 pages, 7" x 4.5." Lesbian pulp novel with vibrant art cover image of a blonde woman looking down in dismay, while a brunette woman watches from just behind. Front caption reads, "One of the most candid and challenging novels ever written about today's women who dare to live in that outcast world of 'twilight' love." Back wrapper is light blue, with a brief summary of the characters, Val and Toni. Bottom blurb reads, "A refreshingly realistic treatment of women who are 'different.' Without the usual tragic and doomed atmosphere." Brightly colored and in very good condition.
[2] Aldrich, Ann [Pen name of Marijane Meaker]. Carol, in a Thousand Cities. Greenwich, CT: Fawcett Publications 1960. First edition. 256 pages, 4.5 x 7 inches. Title derives from a Patricia Highsmith's The Price of Salt. Landmark collection of stories about lesbian life, both fiction and nonfiction. Aldrich and Highsmith were in a relationship for two years; their love affair inspired the former to create this volume. Includes work by Freud, Simone de Beauvoir, Francoise Mallet, and more. In very good condition.
[3] Flora, Fletcher. Take Me Home. Connecticut: Monarch Books, 1959. First Edition lesbian pulp with cover confirming: "First Publication in Book Form." 156 pages. Measures 4.25" x 7". Cover features two women on a bright red backdrop, with one caressing another as she sits on a couch. Plot follows Ivy Galvin who, falls in love with Lila Douglas, another woman. Tagline reads: "Their love was Forbidden." Featured in Grier for having significant lesbian characters and action. Cover is vibrant and pages are clean. Rare to find a 1950's Lesbian pulp. In very good condition.
[4] Roberts, Herb [Pen name for Robert Carney]. Strange Wife. New York: Softcover Library, 1970. First edition mass-market lesbian pulp. The cover tagline is, "What would you do if you were married to a lesbian?" Lesbian pulp fiction novel from the author of "Love in the Shadows". Front wrapper art bears bright, colorful illustration by George Alvara of a blonde woman in a man's embrace. 154 pages, 4" x 7." Price marking on front page. Very good condition.
[5] Hilton, Hilary [Pen name of Keith Ayling]. The Shadowy Sex. New York: Softcover Library, 1970. First edition mass-market lesbian pulp. The plot follows a restaurant hostess named Lena whose affair with an account executive spirals into a lesbian love affair. The tagline reads: "A revealingly frank novel of women who love women because they fear to love men." In very good condition.
Archive in overall very good condition. (Inventory #: 21039)
(818) 224-4555
