Uranism and Unisexuality : A Study of Different Manifestations of the Sexual Instinct

M. Raffalovich, N. Erber, W. Peniston, P. Healy, F. Roden

Marc-André Raffalovich's Uranism and Unisexuality is a unique work of early sexology written in French by a gentleman scholar, poet, self-styled scientist of sexuality, and Catholic convert. Never before translated into English, this landmark 1896 study argues for the rights of homosexuals in society and its responsibility to them. Raffalovich draws on history, literature, philosophy, and theology to assert that not only is homosexual orientation morally neutral, it can in fact serve an ethical good. Raffalovich, an acquaintance of Oscar Wilde who famously rescued John ('Dorian') Gray when the writer tired of him, was himself a homosexual who bravely transformed his voice to speak publicly at a time when same-sex acts were criminal. He corresponded with all the major specialists of his day and published in scientific venues. This edition provides an introduction, biographical note, and contextualizations for Raffalovich's many references.