Joe MorellaGenius and Lust: The Creativity and Sexuality of Cole Porter and Noel Coward

Two distinct men and two distinct biographies. Their lives only rarely crossed. Being gay men is perhaps the sole reason for this book. The authors are a product of their times..... delivering a 90's view on these historical figures. They impose their own views of a new late 20th century gay liberation movement on Coward and Porter. Can be a bit salacious in parts. Best probably to stick to other bios and autobiographies.

This book was published in 1995, and the 20 years between then and now is a long time with respect to biographies of gay persons of note. The most important thing about these two creative geniuses is the marvel of the work they turned out, not that they were gay. The book struggles endlessly to connect their songs with their sexuality, and I don't think a very good case can be made that their ideas were so inspired by this personal characteristic. Sometimes, yes. A lot? Not in my opinion. I thought it was a silly kind of book, and suspect that Coward and Porter would cringe at the gossipy tone, much like a 60's movie magazine, gushing about personal details that can now be revealed!Alternatively, I suggest The Noel Coward Diaries, terrific entries on the ups and downs in his career, plus who he knew in the theatre, how he worked, and who he socialized with. Also, the Citron book about both of these fascinating men is worthwhile. It's amazing how much they had in common.

I learned a massive amount of information about the lives of Cole and Noel. I feel that I personally know them on a better initimate level after reading the book. Also, differences between fact and fiction were made clear concerning rumors, gossip, and covers in the two men's lives.

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very good book and service

i enjoyed the book especially the parts concerning their music and sex lives