Queer people have always existed. In an era when this basic truth faces undue scrutiny, here is a dazzling work of restorative history that reveals the hard-won lives of those who dared to break the mold in the “long eighteenth-century.” At once an illuminating romp through the historical archive and an evocative new chapter in our shared history, Dr. Anthony Delaney’s Queer Enlightenments uncovers the remarkable queer people of that complex, sometimes paradoxical time.

Unfolding between 1726 and 1836, Queer Enlightenments is a lively journey through the taverns, prisons, and cruising grounds of a bygone era and into the lives of aristocrats, tradesmen, and sex workers who pursued self-expression and freedom no matter the risk. In London, Mother Clap’s famous Holborn coffee house is open to all comers, a place of companionship and community, until a tip-off leads to a midnight raid. At the court of King George, a silver-tongued noblewoman remarked of one of Queen Caroline’s confidants, “The world consists of men, women, and Herveys.” And in New York, a Black sex worker endures a degrading trial that labels her the “Man-Monster”—but between the lines of its transcripts can be found traces of her life, one of acceptance, defiance, and indomitable spirit.

Peopled with female husbands, midnight elopements, and one unforgettable soldier/diplomat/spy of ambiguous gender, Queer Enlightenments delves into the archives and emerges with new discoveries and a fresh view of the people who challenged society’s expectations.

Praise for Queer Enlightenments: 

“In his dynamic, informative debut, Irish historian Delaney unearths queer life from three centuries ago in wide-ranging profiles in gender, race, and notoriety. Delaney weaves these fascinating histories into a tapestry of resistance and resilience. He doesn’t sugarcoat the more unsavory archival details, and he corrects misconceptions . . . A comprehensive, fair, and well-rounded study, the book paints the era as one of burgeoning liberation for queer people and illuminates a selection of distinguished trailblazers tenacious enough to sidestep conservative laws in order to freely enjoy same-sex desires and live authentically. These rather obscure pioneers helped usher in forthcoming eras of queer visibility, social justice, legal and political emancipation, and ultimately, advancements toward equality. A vibrant and inspirational queer history.”—Kirkus Reviews

“An illuminating look at queer lives in the Enlightenment era. [Delaney] profiles a range of impressive, liberatory figures . . . Being so well-rounded helps paint an even more comprehensive picture of a time when queerness was not only possible but flourished, most notably, as Delaney finds, within domestic spaces. It’s an equally thrilling and painful extension of the historical timeline of LGBTQ+ people’s presence and persistence.”—Publishers Weekly

“[A] thoroughly researched debut . . .  Delaney writes for both an academic and a popular audience . . . his book is a welcome addition to the growing body of queer histories.”—Rebecca Hopman, Booklist

“Anthony Delaney has opened the closet door of Jane Austen’s England and found people of every style – criminalised in their own time, ignored by ours, heroically finding their own ways to make individual lives, families and even communities.”—Philippa Gregory, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Normal Women

“In this moving and revelatory book, Anthony Delaney gives a voice to women and men whose lives have been written out of history. At heart, Queer Enlightenments is about the triumph of love in adversity.”—Hallie Rubenhold, bestselling author of The Five and Story of a Murder

“A fascinating story, beautifully told. The many and varied characters are brought vividly to life by the author’s keen eye for period detail and lively, evocative writing style. Reading this hitherto hidden history was a revelation. I was utterly enthralled from the first page to the last.”—Tracy Borman, author of Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I and Chief Historian, Historic Royal Palaces

“A rare combination of bold ideas, rigorous archival research, and a personal voice, Queer Enlightenments introduces us to a fascinating range of characters.”—Emma Donoghue, author of Room and Passions Between Women

“Fascinating, exciting, vivid with stories, and scrupulously researched, the brilliant Queer Enlightenments tells us so much about the period and so many lives. Anthony Delaney has combed the archives, explored the sources and created a superb book that brings the Georgian world to life and all its secret lives. Wonderful.”—Kate Williams, New York Times Bestselling author of Becoming Queen Victoria and Royal Historian for CNN

“Anthony Delaney is a superb public historian, words drop off his tongue and flow from his pen with a fluency that is the envy of us all.”—Dan Snow, author of Death or Victory: The Battle of Quebec and the Birth of Empire

“An illuminating, deeply researched and deeply felt account of many remarkable lives. Anthony Delaney writes of love in every part of Georgian society – from royal residences to red-light districts – with sensitivity, wit, and learning. This is a fascinating book.”—Gareth Russell, author of Queen James and The Palace

“Anthony Delaney’s research is sharp, his prose so elegant, and the result is a deeply thoughtful reimagining of the Georgian world . . . Flawless.”—Dr. Owen Emmerson, Historical Consultant on Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light (BBC)