Gentlemen Callers: Tennessee Williams, Homosexuality, and Mid-Twentieth-Century Drama
Mid-Twentieth-Century Drama: Gentlemen Callers examines Tennessee Williams's plays from the 1940s through the 1960s alongside his life and changing American attitudes toward homosexuality. Michael Paller discusses how gay characters were treated by early critics and later gay liberationists, with examples including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Auto-da-Fé.
At a glance
- Connects Williams's plays and life with changing mid-century American attitudes toward homosexuality.
- Discusses critical responses to Williams's gay characters, including criticism from gay liberationists beginning in the 1970s.
- Covers works including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Auto-da-Fé, The Two-Character Play, and Something Cloudy, Something Clear.
Reference price: $35.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Provides a focused lens on sexuality and the critical reception of Tennessee Williams's drama.
- Combines discussion of selected plays with biographical context and broader cultural change.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
|---|---|
| Publication date | May 11, 2005 |
| Edition | 1st ed. 2005 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 282 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1349530182 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1349530182 |
| Weight listed | 13.4 ounces |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 0.64 x 8.5 inches |
What to know before buying
- This is a focused study of Williams, homosexuality, and mid-twentieth-century drama, rather than a general survey of theater or a complete account of his works.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers studying Tennessee Williams, LGBTQ+ themes in drama, or mid-twentieth-century American theater.
- Williams readers interested in how audiences and critics responded to gay characters.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a general playwright biography or a broad survey of American drama.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
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Frequently asked questions
What does Gentlemen Callers examine?
It studies Tennessee Williams's plays from the 1940s through the 1960s in relation to his life and changing American attitudes toward homosexuality.
Which plays are mentioned?
The listing names Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Auto-da-Fé, The Two-Character Play, and Something Cloudy, Something Clear.
Who is this book suited to?
It is aimed at readers interested in Williams, Broadway, theater, and the treatment of gay characters in drama.
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