One of the first novels to openly explore gay love and eroticism, Pathologies is a lost classic that is now translated into English for the first time.

At the start of the twentieth century, Jewish anti-Zionist Jacob Isra�l de Haan led an eventful life as a poet, journalist, teacher, and lawyer in the Netherlands. His autobiographical novella Pipelines caused a storm of controversy in 1904 with its portrayal of a subject that was considered scandalous at the time—a romantic relationship between two young men. He lost his teaching job, and the entire print run was pulped.

In his iconic 1908 novel Pathologies, he once again openly and radically explored the topic of homosexuality. The story centers around adolescent Johan, who lives a secluded life with his father and their elderly housekeeper in a large house. For a while, Johan has been plagued by erotic fantasies about his classmates. When, to make matters worse, he finds himself feeling attracted to his father—first in a dream, and then in real life—he grows desperate. Johan moves out, finding room and board with an older married couple in Haarlem, where he meets Ren�, a young confident artist. Johan falls head-over-heels in love, and the two men enter a sadomasochistic relationship that soon begins to spiral out of control.

Johan is one of world literature’s most tragic, troubled young heroes, at par with Goethe’s Werther and Dostoevsky’s Raskolnikov. His struggle to come to terms with his fantasies and desires—rife with taboos that continue to resonate today—forms the beating heart of this daring novel. Written in De Haan’s precise, lyrical prose, Pathologies has lost none of its force more than a century after it was first published.

About the Authors

Jacob Isra�l de Haan (1881–1924) was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Smilde, Netherlands. Following the controversy surrounding his novels, De Haan emigrated to Palestine, where he was assassinated in 1924 by a member of a paramilitary organization. He is considered an important precursor of the gay liberation movement.

Brian Doyle–Du Breuil is a translator of poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction from Dutch/Flemish into English.

Wim J. Simons (1926–2005) was a Dutch writer, journalist, and publisher who founded the Jacob Isra�l de Haan Society in 1952.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Russell Books
100-747 Fort St., Victoria, BC, V8W 3E9, Canada

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

For assistance with billing questions, please refer to our help page in abebooks. If you cannot find the answers you are seeking or have questions about your order you can contact us by emailing info@russellbooks.com. Responses to emails will be provided as soon as possible. For further information - (250) 361-4447

Shipping Terms

Shipping prices are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. Canadian and U.S. orders sent with Automated Package Tracking and delivery confirmation, where available. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you regarding any extra shipping costs. Thank you! - Russell Books

Shipping rates from Canada to U.S.A.

Shipping rates from Canada to U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 14 business days	5 to 7 business days
First item	US$ 19.99	US$ 24.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.