Improper Bostonians: Lesbians and Gay History from the Puritans to Playland

Interesting compilation of GLBT-themed material about the greater Boston and New England area, adapted from an exhibit at the Boston Public Library. A major issue with gay, lesbian and transgender history is that documentation -- especially documentation that proves someone's sexual orientation -- can be hard to come by. The editors do a fair job of patching together a narrative from the available sources, though they can't help making assumptions about Herman Melville, Emily Dickinson and other famous figures. I also wish that the book either reprinted the text of the letters, pamphlets, etc. that were included, or had those photos be enlarged so they were actually legible. Still, this is worthwhile work, and I applaud the History show more Project and other groups like it for helping fill in the gaps in the historical record. show less