Gay Writers in Search of the Divine

An exploration of how three English writers – Edward Carpenter, E.M. Forster and Christopher Isherwood – all three of whom shared a similar sexuality, sought in Hindu spirituality one way of achieving personal autonomy and fulfillment.

Antony Copley reveals how these writers reconciled their inner conflicts and were led in the direction of Hinduism either by friendship or the influence of gurus. Tackling the themes of the guru-disciple relationship, their quarrel with Christianity, relationships with their mothers and the problematic feminine, the tensions between sexuality, and the attraction of Hindu mysticism, this fascinating work seeks to reveal whether Hinduism offered the answers and fulfillment these writers ultimately sought.