coverWileyA Companion to the Gilded Age and Progressive Era presents a collection of new historiographic essays covering the years between 1877 and 1920, a period which saw the U.S. emerge from the ashes of Reconstruction to become a world power.

“The sheer act of Downs’ acknowledging that not all gay men subscribed to the popular ‘three Big Bs’ of the time—‘the Bars, Beaches, and Baths’—and found their identity validated and articulated through the communal practices of Christian worship and cultural hubs is a refreshing and invigorating experience. Stand By Me proves a deeply moving read.”

—San Francisco Chronicle

“This meticulously researched book explores how changing patterns of youth, adulthood, geography, and gender have shaped American norms and expectations of youthful marriage. Made human by his telling of richly detailed personal stories, Nicholas Syrett’s findings will surprise and likely shock contemporary readers.”

–Stephanie Coontz