Before the Word Was Queer

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'Written with grace and clarity, this book makes an irrefutable case for historical lexicography and the light it sheds on past understanding of same-sex desire. In particular, it sets out new research on love and sex between women. It combines mastery of lexicographical detail with lucid exploration of the intellectual frameworks shaping historical attitudes to sex.' Charlotte Brewer, Hertford College, University of Oxford 'Turton's well-crafted, highly readable monograph uses a scavenger methodology to expose privileged voices repeatedly erasing references to marginalized sexuality in English dictionaries, 1600-1930. A convincing introduction to the method and theory of queer historical linguistics.' William L. Leap, Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program. Florida Atlantic University, USA 'This book brilliantly demonstrates what queer theory can do for lexicography - and vice versa. An essential read for lovers and scholars of language, dictionaries, and the long arc of LGBTQ+ history.' Jeffrey Masten, author of Queer Philologies 'Stephen Turton's lively book is a wonderfully rich mine of forgotten sexual slang, ... its great strength lies in a generative interweaving of the histories of words and sex, its recognition that dictionary-makers and users are actors in the construction of social and sexual identities. As dictionaries get better at capturing discursively how we talk about ourselves today, they remain a standout resource in our exploration of the way our queer forebears understood themselves in the past.' Will Tosh, The Times Literary Supplement