Michael Nelson (novelist)
| Michael Nelson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1921 |
| Died | 1990 (aged 68–69) |
| Pen name | Henry Stratton |
| Occupation | Novelist |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | United Kingdom |
| Genre | Fiction Gay literature |
| Notable works | A Room in Chelsea Square |
| Spouse | Rachel Holland |
Michael Nelson (1921-1990) was a British novelist best known for his 1958 gay novel A Room in Chelsea Square, originally published anonymously.[1][2]
Early and personal life
Born in 1921, Nelson was a journalist before the World War II. He was the secretary to publisher John Lehmann during the war and served as a captain in the Royal Army Service Corps. Nelson later owned a bookstore in Winchester where he lived with his then-boyfriend. Nelson married Rachel Holland, who knew he was gay, and they remained married the rest of their lives. Nelson died in 1990.[3]
Writing
Nelson’s first novel Knock or Ring (1957), which drew from his own experiences, was about a "ring" of booksellers who conspired to fix auctions.[3] It received good reviews, but was never reprinted until its 2013 Valancourt Books edition.[3][4]
Due to its explicit homosexual content, his second book, A Room in Chelsea Square (1958), was published anonymously.[1][2] It is about a wealthy gentleman who lures an attractive younger man to London with the promise of an upper crust lifestyle and has been called a "gay classic."[3][5] It has been reprinted several times.[1] The 2013 Valancourt edition features a new introduction by Gregory Woods.[1][6]
Nelson's other books are Blanket (1959) (published under the pseudonym "Henry Stratton"), When the Bed Broke (1961), Captain Blossom (1973), Captain Blossom Soldiers On (1974), Nobs & Snobs (1976), Captain Blossom in Civvy Street (1978), and Fear No More (1989).[3]
References
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