The Delicate Vice
New York: Tower Publications, Inc., 1963. 2nd Printing. 12mo, publisher’s stiff illustrated paper wraps, all edges stained red.
Second printing of a 1960s lesbian pulp by publisher Midwood's in-house editor Elaine Williams under her pseudonym Sloan Britton. While many lesbian pulp novels of the 1950s and 60s were sensationalized by and for straight men, they inadvertently offered representation for closeted lesbian readers. The Delicate Vice is thus an unusual entry as it was authored by the openly gay Williams, who according to fellow Midwood author Gilbert Fox was never accepted by her family. She authored fourteen pulps during her time at the publishing house as both "Sloane" and "Sloan" Britton before dying in a car accident in 1963, presumed by many a suicide due to depression and societal stigma. The Delicate Vice was originally published as Unnatural in 1960 and centers on Alison, a woman who turns toward the fairer sex after being emotionally marred by men. Founded by Harry Shorten in the 1950s, Tower Publications' Midwood imprint gained notable popularity with gay and lesbian readers, providing some of the earliest accessible depictions of same-sex relationships. Cover by prolific pulp illustrator Paul Rader, who created over 300 original paperback paintings for Midwood. Publisher's catalog number F310. Light creasing and edgewear to wraps. Near fine. Item #12381
$125.00