Sam Bailey

• BA (Hons) English Literature
• When is pornography not pornography? A new approach to Love Letters between a late nobleman and the famous Mr Wilson (1723)

Love Letters between a late nobleman and the famous Mr Wilson (1723) has been heralded as a critical example of early gay pornography, derived from the genuine love letters of Beau Wilson and his anonymous noble patron. My project contests that none of these claims are true. By close reading key passages, this project argues that the erotic relations between men are not presented as pornographic, but as condemnable and dangerous. Through historical analysis of the network of the politicians and celebrities implicated by the text, this project demonstrates that, far from being the product of Queer print culture, it was likely the result of a smear campaign against deceased government ministers.  Love Letters is a text so shrouded in subterfuge that it will never fully be understood, this project shows what can be known, and what will remain conspiracy.

Funding Source: Newcastle University

Project supervisor: Dr James Harriman-Smith