Outlaw Marriages

The Hidden Histories of Fifteen Extraordinary Same-Sex Couples

By: Rodger Streitmatter

Narrated by: Christopher Hurt

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

For more than a century before gay marriage became a hot-button political issue, same-sex unions flourished in America. Pairs of men and pairs of women joined together in committed unions, standing by each other "for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health" for periods of 30 or 40 - sometimes as many as 50 - years. In short, they loved and supported each other every bit as much as any husband and wife. In Outlaw Marriages, cultural historian Rodger Streitmatter reveals how some of these unions didn’t merely improve the quality of life for the two people involved but also enriched the American culture.

Among the high-profile couples whose lives and loves are illuminated in the following pages are Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams and Mary Rozet Smith, literary icon Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, author James Baldwin and Lucien Happersberger, and artists Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg.

©2012 Rodger Streitmatter (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Sames Sex Couples Through History

In Outlaw Marriages, cultural historian Rodger Streitmatter reveals that gay marriage is not a 21st century idea— and that in fact, there have always been numerous well-known gay couples who lived an "outlaw" life together, despite conventional mores.

Some of the notables profiled are playwright Tennessee Williams, literary icon Gertrude Stein, and movie legend Greta Garbo.

Not only were some of the last two centuries leading artists gay, but they were in committed relationships. Our Arts history is heavily influenced by these unknowns.

Who had the long-lasting relationships— and who had a tumultuous love life? Whose lover ended up being their muse for their most famous work? This book gives the answers.

interesting and enjoyable.

Not a lot of specifics but enough to get a sense of the people.

Wonderful

I absolutely loved this book. I loved it so much, I purchased the Hard Cover. Loved hearing the stories of the gay and lesbian couples who influenced our culture.

Awesome book.

This was fascinating and I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed the triangular relationship chapters.

fantastic journalism

i enjoyed the writing style and the succinct descriptions of the lives of these incredible people. it was inspiring.

very well documented and interesting

If you could sum up Outlaw Marriages in three words, what would they be?

interesting, mind-opening and lovely

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really but it made me realize how a person cannot change the world but he/she can make his/her world a whole new place and that every little action counts.

Honestly Amazing

it's nice to learn some gay history. Achievements outside the Civil rights realms. Be prepared to shed a tear or two because u tend to know how most of them end. Not in violence thankfully, but in most of the stories unacknowledged.

Interesting, informative and honest

I am certain I will refer back to some the chapters both in memory and in repeated listening. The writing is straightforward and factual giving a good general introduction to each person and in recounting the achievements of each while giving insight into the weakness of each relationship when applicable.
The format allows listeners to easily skip relationship/chapter that are not of personal interest. One of the most memorable chapters for me is the very last and shortest chapter briefly relaying his own “outlaw marriage”.

Moving, charming, but not amazing

The format of a series of biographies is hard to keep from being repetitive, but this book succeeds in remaining interesting throughout. Unfortunately the limited space given to each subject requires a degree of superficiality that limits one's understanding of each marriage, but the book remains worthwhile. The slow but inexorable pace of change is particularly well documented.

Out Standing!

What did you love best about Outlaw Marriages?

Hearing the true life stories of men and women and their partners is so needed in our world.
It is well crafted and supportive of the GLBT community.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The variety of men and women is very interesting. It shows the diverse nature of the GLBT community and that we've been around a long time.