Gay Semiotics. A Photographic Study of Visual Coding Among Homosexual Men.

First edition, inscribed by the author on the title page, "For Richard, may your handkerchiefs alternate, love Hal". The reference is to the first lesson of Gay Semiotics: handkerchiefs, in colour and placement, can communicate an impressive array of sexual codes. Written in a wry anthropological tone, Gay Semiotics decodes the sexual signifiers and fashion "types" of the gay communities of 1970s California, from "basic gay" to "hippie" to "jock". The styling of handkerchiefs, earrings, and keys are all potential signifiers of gay sexual inclinations, although Fischer notes that "keys are also worn by janitors, laborers, and other workers with no sexual signification intended". Quarto. Black and white illustrations throughout. Original coated grey wrappers lettered in black and white, rear cover with a photographic illustration. Edges occasionally rubbed, a few faint marks to wrappers, one to fore edge of final three leaves: a very good copy.