Bertram Cope's Year

"Bertram Cope's Year" by Henry Blake Fuller is a groundbreaking LGBT novel published in the early 20th century. The story follows Bertram Cope, a young college instructor, as he navigates relationships with both men and women who are younger and older than him. The author, Fuller, had to be careful in crafting the plot to avoid offending publishers, resulting in some ambiguity about the characters' feelings. However, despite its significance, no publishing house would touch the book, leading Fuller to self-publish. This novel is considered the first of its kind by an established American writer, focusing solely on homosexuality. While it didn't gain the recognition it deserved initially, it paved the way for more open discussions about gay themes in literature.