The gay socialist writer Edward Carpenter had an extraordinary impact on the cultural and political landscape of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. A mystic advocate of, among other causes, free love, recycling, nudism, women’s suffrage and prison reform, his work anticipated the sexual revolution of the 1960s. Sheila Rowbotham’s highly acclaimed biography situates Carpenter’s life and thought in relation to the social, aesthetic and intellectual movements of his day, and explores his friendships with figures such as Walt Whitman, E.M. Forster, Isadora Duncan and Emma Goldman. Edward Carpenter is a compelling portrait of a man described by contemporaries as a ‘weather-vane’ for his times.

Originally published in 1911, this edition published in 1920, this text comprises of an excerpt from Carpenter’s Adam’s Peak to Elephanta, originally published in 1892, which details his travels in India and Ceylon. This excerpt in particular details his visit to a Gñáni, or religious wise man, and what he learned of their ancient wisdom-religion, which would be more recognisable as Hinduism to a modern reader. This title will be of interest to students of sociology, anthropology and religious studies.

"If any one should importune me to give a reason why I loved him [Stephen de la Bo tie] I feel it could no otherwise be expressed than by making answer, 'Because it was he; because it was I.'"-from "Montaigne on Friendship"Socialist advocate, progressive educator, and amateur mystic, Edward Carpenter is perhaps best remembered today for his conflicted homosexuality, and his name remains a rallying point of gay communities in Britain. This circumspect 1902 work draws on and quotes from a panoply of impressive sources, from the Iliad and Tacitus's military commentary to Saint Augustine and Herman Melville's account of his 1841-5 journey through the Pacific Islands, to explore the idea of "friendship"-that is, male homosexuality-in cultures around the planet and throughout history. This lovely book is a poignant reminder of a more cautious time.British activist and writer EDWARD CARPENTER (1844-1929) produced books and pamphlets on a wide variety of subjects; his works include Prisons, Police, and Punishment (1905) and The Religious Influence of Art (1870). He is best known for his epic poem cycle, Towards Democracy (1883).

"The Intermediate Sex" is a seminal work by Edward Carpenter, a British socialist, philosopher, and early advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Published in 1908, it explores the concept of homosexuality and same-sex relationships in both historical and contemporary contexts. Carpenter challenges the prevailing societal norms of his time by arguing that homosexuality is a natural variation of human sexuality rather than a moral aberration. In the book, Carpenter examines the experiences of individuals who identify as homosexual, providing insights into their lives, struggles, and contributions to society. He delves into various cultural and historical examples to demonstrate the existence and acceptance of same-sex relationships across different civilizations and time periods. Carpenter's writing is notable for its progressive stance on sexuality and its emphasis on understanding and acceptance. He advocates for the recognition of homosexuality as a legitimate and integral aspect of human diversity, advocating for tolerance and equality. "The Intermediate Sex" is considered a groundbreaking work in the history of LGBTQ+ literature, as it challenged prevailing attitudes towards homosexuality and laid the groundwork for future activism and scholarship in the field.