‘Queer Identities and Politics in Germany: A History, 1880–1945’ By Clayton J. Whisnant

Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed key developments in LGBT history: the growth of the world’s first homosexual organizations and publications, as well as an influential community of German sexologists and psychoanalysts. This book describes these milestones in detail, from the vibrant gay social scenes to the Nazi persecution that sent many LGBT people to concentration camps. It reveals little-known aspects of lesbian life at the time while also addressing the sexuality of several well-known literary and artistic figures, including Thomas Mann, Klaus Mann, Stefan George, and Wilhelm von Gloeden. Drawing on recent English- and German-language research, the author enriches the debate over whether science contributed to social progress or persecution during the period from 1880 to 1945. He also  offers new information on the Nazis’ preoccupation with homosexuality. Harrington Park Press (harringtonparkpress.com). —Troy Carrington