Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s-1950s

This is a remarkable collection of photographs that has the power to move you. Timeless love captured by the camera lens will captivate readers and delight any visitors who happen to pick it up off your coffee table (where my copy has now found a home).

Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850-1950 is a poignant and visually stunning compilation of photographs that chronicle a century of love between men. Each image, carefully curated by Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell, captures moments of tenderness and connection that defied societal norms of their times. The photos, sourced from diverse places and eras, reflect the universal language of love and intimacy. This book not only serves as a historical document but also as a testament to the resilience and beauty of love that flourishes against all odds. The meticulous preservation and high-quality production of the book add to its significance and appeal. Whether displayed on a coffee table, like my book, or cherished in a personal collection, this book is a powerful reminder of love's enduring presence throughout history.

The photos are real people, not photoshopped or staged. The authors (a gay couple) explain their hobby of collecting vintage photos of gay men who love each other. The authors detail the history of each photo such as the year it was taken and what country the photo came from. This is an AMAZING, gorgeous, breathtaking book. I can’t recommend it enough!

It is with great pleasure to review this book, "LOVING, A Photographic History of Men in Love - 1850s to the 1950s." I accidentally found a very short documentary on YouTube that got me here to purchase this book. I learned about these 2 men, Neal and Hugh, how they would go antiquing and occasionally find photographs of men romantically positioned from a century or so ago. I have to say, these pictures are mesmerizing. Just look into the eyes of these men, it's as if you can hear their story that hasn't yet been told. I mean think about it, wouldn't you love to hear their point of view during that period of time? As a gay man myself, I know I would. What's also interesting, if you think what life was like back then, with the strict laws against homosexuality, the sexual repression due to religious beliefs, and the ignorance of not understanding "just plain sex," it is astounding that these photographs have actually survived at all. Just the fact that these photographs were able to get "developed" during that period of time, says something about the bravery of these men, as well as all that knew them. (Perhaps the people that knew them, were even their protectors? Well, one can hope.) What comforts me with this wonderful book, it shows proof that the LGBTQ have been here for centuries and we're lucky enough to actually have it documented. Of course, we have Neal and Hugh to thank for that. They truly are the unsung heros, as they rescued these photographs of "Forbidden Love, For The World Now To See." I personally thank you for that. ***I highly recommend this book. I would also recommend it for anyone that has recently "come out." How nice it would be to show them that they will never be alone, they are one of many that are loved and deserve to be loved. #loveislove - Nick R.

I have purchased two copies of this book; the first was for myself while the second was for my best friend (and ex- many years ago).I have always been slightly wary and suspicious of these types of photographs - not because they were fake or anything, but simply because it is a well-known and documented fact that men were much more demonstrably affectionate in public from the beginning of photography up through and until the 1950's, when toxic masculinity took over and taught us all how "men were real men," so to speak.Seeing pictures of men being affectionate with their arms around each other, smiling, looking like (to our eyes today) that they were in love - these didn't necessarily represent or speak "love" in the traditional sense as there was (in most cases) no indication (with consideration) that they were a couple - especially in the case of this book, as the age of the photos stop just before that toxic period starting in 1951.I read a review of the book in "Rolling Stone," and figured that I would buy a copy of it - after all, what gay man ever has enough coffee table books? While I didn't have high hopes, I figured that the photographs would at least provide a spirited discourse between friends at my next dinner party if there "were" or "were not," so to speak.All I can say is WOW - what a collection! I still (even begrudgingly) will say that not every photograph in this book represents the true raw love of a gay couple. However, there are other types of love without intercourse, and this book proudly presents all types of love, regardless of sex. Whether friends, buds, service brothers or best life brothers - the photographs in this book have captured the energy that is almost palpable between two men.Don't get me wrong - there are most definitely gay couples in this book that cannot be denied. But I have fallen head over heels for this book because it doesn't discriminate in types of love - they are all here.Highly recommended, regardless of your personal sexual identification or beliefs. You can't go wrong with having this on your coffee table - even in a conservative household.

Beautiful book. Looking forward to getting a copy of LOVING II in October