âJoseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvaniaâ was written by American author Bayard Taylor.
After marrying a wealthy woman, young Joseph discovers a deep and powerful love for his friend Philip. Confused by his feelings and unhappy with his manipulative wife, Josephâs love for Philip grows stronger.
Considered to be the âfirst gay novelâ in America, the book discusses the friends' special attachment and their romantic but not sexual relationship. Noted for its enigmatic treatment of homosexuality, critics were divided over their interpretation of the novel with many arguing it was a political argument for gay relationships while others thought it an idealization of male spirituality.
A great read for fans of E. M. Forster's novel 'Maurice' and 'Brokeback Mountain' by Annie Proulx.
Bayard Taylor (1825â1878) was an American poet, author, literary critic and diplomat. Widely travelled, he was known primarily for his travelogues, which were popular in the UK and the United States.
Visiting California at the height of the gold rush, Taylor published a hugely successful travel book called âEl Dorado; or Adventures in the Path of Empireâ (1850). His other works include âViews Afoot, or Europe seen with Knapsack and Staffâ (1846), âA Journey to Central Africa; or Life and Landscapes from Egyptâ and âA Visit to India, China and Japan in the Year 1853â (1855).
Taylor is also credited with writing the âfirst gay novelâ in America, with his 1870 novel âJoseph and His Friend: A Story of Pennsylvania.â His later work included Poems of the Orient (1855) and his famous translation of âFaustâ (1870â71).