A Queer Little History of Art

An astounding book which I couldn't put down. Alex's writing is concise, fluent, often respectful and occasionally even a little bit cheeky. She draws on a lifetime of Art History knowledge to tell a string of stories that will open your eyes. From established figures like Francis Bacon and David Hockney to those I'd never encountered before, including Angola's subversive Kiluanji Kia Henda and Chile's Carlos Leppe, I looked at the world from a new place when I read A Queer Little History of Art. The introduction outlines three definitions of the term "queer", which combine to capture the essence of what this book is about. It's got LGBT artists, unusual gazes, coded imagery, eroticism, politics and so much more. Alex acknowledges the mine-field of gender and sexual identity she's sharing with us and humbly admits "I don't expect this book to tread its path without a misstep", although as far as I could see she hasn't put a foot wrong. The main body of the book consists of 64 illustrations dating from 1900 to the present day, sourced from all over the world and each unlocked for the reader by Alex's fascinating insights. I imagine the notes and references will make this a useful book for serious scholars of Art History, but don't let that put you off. If, like me, you're just an interested amateur (did I mention I'm straight? that shouldn't stop you either!), please buy this book and devour it. I promise you'll be glad you did.

I was very happy to have a handy starting point for all sorts of further research and lots of fascinating facts. An easy read, amongst other things it revealed subtexts to some artworks that I had been already familiar with and had not interpreted in this way. Good quality print and accessible in every way.

A very idiosyncratic set of selections, in no way adding up to any sort of coherent history.

I loved this book. Great range of art (and gender / sexuality of artists) with short, smart, provocative essays on each one that make you think about how our history has been folded into the art of the last century or so - and how our bodies and desires have been represented.

A beautiful written introduction to the wide and wonderful world of queerness in art. This book sent me off in so many different directions, I can't wait to research more.

I love this book. It's beautifully written, thoughtfully put together, and full of fascinating things I didn't know. Brilliant to dip in and out of, or read in one sitting. Highly recommended.

A delight to read, refreshing, informative, accessible and full of humour. Alex's writing is lucid and engaging. I couldn't recommend it more!