Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop (1967-2009)
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
The first bookstore dedicated to offering books and a space for gay and lesbian authors, the Oscar Wilde Bookshop was located here from 1973 until its closure in 2009. The store was not affiliated with Oscar Wilde, but owner Craig Rodwell chose this author owing to the playwright's fame in London as well as imprisonment and early death while in prison for the "crime" being gay. The store was located in a rowhouse that was constructed in 1827.
Images
Tennessee Williams with owner Craig Rodwell and bookstore staff in front of the bookstore in 1976. Photo from the Craig Rodwell Papers, New York Public Library.
