A Room in Chelsea Square
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_Gorey.jpg) 1959 US Anchor Books cover, illustrated by Edward Gorey | |
| Author | Michael Nelson |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Gay literature |
| Published | 1958 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
A Room in Chelsea Square is a 1958 British gay novel by Michael Nelson, originally published anonymously due to its homosexual content and "thinly veiled portrayals of prominent London literary figures."[1][2] It is about a wealthy gentleman who lures an attractive younger man to London with the promise of an upper crust lifestyle.[3]
A "camp" novel about "bitchy queens in 1950s London", A Room in Chelsea Square is semi-autobiographical.[2][3] It was published anonymously because of its explicit gay content at a time when homosexuality was still illegal, and since its characters were thinly disguised portraits of prominent literary figures in London. The character 'Patrick' is based on arts philanthropist Peter Watson; 'Ronnie' is based on Cyril Connolly, editor of the literary magazine Horizon; and 'Christopher' is based on the poet Stephen Spender.[2] The cover of the 1959 US Anchor Books edition was illustrated by Edward Gorey, who was then on staff at Doubleday. Sphere Books republished A Room in Chelsea Square in 1969, and it was reprinted again in 1986 by the now-defunct Gay Men's Press in their Gay Modern Classics series.[1][3] The 2013 Valancourt Books edition features a new introduction by Gregory Woods.[1][4]
Plot summary
Wealthy middle-aged gentleman Patrick lures handsome provincial journalist Nicholas to London with the promise of a job, and puts the younger man up at his hotel suite. Nicholas soon becomes accustomed to Patrick's gifts, luxurious lifestyle and interesting friends, but realizing that Patrick is interested in more than friendship, Nicholas finds that he will have to either give in, or give up everything Patrick can provide.[2]