The Jacklove Affair: A Novel

New York: Coward-McCann, Inc, 1968. First Edition. First Printing. Octavo (21.75cm); goldenrod paper-covered boards and red cloth backstrip, with titles stamped in gilt on spine and in blind to front cover; dustjacket; [4],5-172,[4]pp. Fine in a Near Fine dustjacket, unclipped (priced $4.95), showing light wear to spine ends and extremities, and a small closed tear to upper front panel. A novel set in a commune occupying a ghost town (formerly a mining camp) in Montana and centered around its inhabitants, who are "asexual in appearance, bisexual in practice, and cosexual in the soul" (from front flap). "In meandering fashion, the novel follows the various dramas of members during the commune's last year. Most are in heterosexual relationships...but prominent in their midst are Joanne, "an ordinary lesbian;" Liverpool Annie, her lover who is ready to go wandering and does when the bisexual Gretchen shows up; and Stephen Wurley, whom Annie calls "a cowboy queen"...His presence in the commune seems mysterious since he trained as a veterinarian and is loved by Hollywood western star, William Frazier, who is eager to share a house (discreetly) with him...When the entire commune disolves, Joanne is the one who insists he telephone Frazier to come to his rescue" (Gunn, Gay American Novels, 1870-1970, pp.165-166). Menegas (1942-1989) was born in eastern Washington, and worked for a time as a lumberjack before turning his hand to writing fiction. In 1971 he wrote the humorous novel The Service, before turning largely to writing horror stories. YOUNG 1795. 81995. (Inventory #: 81995)