The Boys of Fairy Town: Sodomites, Female Impersonators, Third-Sexers, Pansies, Queers, and Sex Morons in Chicago's First Century

This is a wonderfully informative and interesting book. What surprised me most was how much fun and action there was in those days in the gay community. It was more dangerous, but perhaps more exciting than life for gays these days.A few small proofreading details in case there's a second edition: on pp. 129 and 140, the author uses "dominate" as an adjective; the adjective form is "dominant." At the top of 144, there's this slip: "When she the appeared . . .". When the author is discussing various photographers, I wish he would include at least one illustration of each man's work, though examples can often be found online. Most important, I wish that at the end of chapter 15, in which he discusses J. Edgar Hoover's attempts to disrupt, hassle and imprison gays, the author would mention Hoover's own cross-dressing, and the fact that he lived with a male companion for many years.Anyway, a great read! Thank you!

This book intrigued me and once in hand, surprised me. The author's decision to compile a varied collection of known queer Chicago citizens and then present them in chronological order was, in my opinion, not only clever but also a sort of gift to the reader. Each change of focus, and often tone, allowed me to relax into the history without a fear of impending boredom. Each new chapter moves the timeline forward and introduces a new inhabitant or two, creating, in the end, a detailed and layered tapestry of what gay life in Chicago was like during its first 100 years. The thread that connects all of these pieces are Mr. Elledge's well-researched facts and educated and quite sound suggestions. It was eye-opening for me and I had a difficult time putting the book down knowing the wealth of details that would be revealed with the turn of every page.

This book was most excellent – eye opening, informative, and reframing a lot of my world. When it ended, I was disappointed the book didn’t continue ad infinitum. I’m surprised by how robust the queer community was generations ago and how little things have changed – I‘m surprised to learn I’m not living in something new. A must-read for all queers, Chicagoans, and especially Chicago queers. Strongly recommended.

As described. Arrived quickly.

Gives great insight to the history of gay community in chicago. Sadly we seem to be reverting back to hatred of all things gay.

Well researched and compelling told.

This is an excellent history of Chicago Homosexuality. Packed with information and covers the subject thoroughly.