Dear Friends

What I love about NYU is the diversity of thought and opinions.  Just take a look over the list of favorite books and it becomes crystal clear how different our students interests and motivations.  Today just finished book number 200!!!!  In a little over two years, so pacing at about 8 books a month, though in early summer months can get through 15 or so. 

Toady, I read a very different type of book, a commentary on photos of men together during the mid 1800’s – early 1900s, Dear Friends: American Photographs of Men Together, 1840-1919.  As a sociologist (I can’t really say I am one, but hey close to it I guess), the author’s concept of looking at how some men were photographed together gave a glimpse into their relationship during time of war, heartache, and industrialization.  The author/editor, David Deitcher, was trying to show that same-sex affection (and homosexuality to a stronger degree) was as prevalent as it is today.  The pictures did illustrate, in a number of cases, a strong case for men in love with each other, though as the author does at times suggest they may be related.  I think he was a bit heavy-handed in making his case and didn’t allow the pictures to do as much of the talking as he did… pretty redundant in why he was writing the book.  His research method, for those trying to do a historical study, was sound and worthwhile.  I thought the motivation (or idea behind the book) was interesting (I’ll save it for those who pick up the book).  Some of the pictures are pretty outrageous for the times – seeing men in drag in the poses they were in was something you’d see in numerous cities in America today, who da thunk it?  Quick read with pictures galore but the author did drone on a bit.