Edwin and John

This book offers a deep dive into the lives of two gay men, Edwin and John, exploring their relationship and the historical context of their time.

In Edwin and John, readers are invited into the intimate world of two openly gay men navigating their lives during a tumultuous period in American history. This work provides a poignant exploration of queer history, focusing on the struggles and joys experienced by Edwin Peacocke and John Zeigler, alongside their remarkable friends, including notable figures like Prentiss Taylor and Carson McCullers. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the post-war South, the narrative captures the essence of coming of age in a time marked by both conflict and cultural change.

Award-winning author James T. Sears employs a rich tapestry of diaries, letters, and poems to create a first-person narrative that sheds light on the often-hidden realities of being gay in the early 20th century South. The personal experiences of Edwin and John are interwoven with historical context, revealing the challenges they faced in a conservative society. Their relationship, which spanned over 50 years, serves as a lens through which readers can understand the broader struggles of the LGBTQ+ community during this era.

Edwin and John not only chronicles the love and companionship shared between the two men but also highlights their resilience in the face of adversity. As they transitioned from their conservative roots to a more accepting life in Charleston, South Carolina, they opened a bookshop that became a sanctuary for fellow artists and writers, symbolizing a significant shift in societal attitudes towards love, identity, and expression.