Secret Historian

The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist, and Sexual Renegade

By: Justin Spring

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Drawn from the secret, never-before-seen diaries, journals, and sexual records of the novelist, poet, and university professor Samuel M. Steward, Secret Historian is a sensational reconstruction of one of the more extraordinary hidden lives of the 20th century. An intimate friend of Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, and Thornton Wilder, Steward maintained a secret sex life from childhood on and documented these experiences in brilliantly vivid and often very funny detail.

After leaving the world of academe to become Phil Sparrow, a tattoo artist on Chicago’s notorious South State Street, Steward worked closely with Alfred Kinsey on his landmark sex research. During the early 1960s, Steward changed his name and identity once again, this time to write exceptionally literate, upbeat, pro-homosexual pornography under the name of Phil Andros.

Until today he has been known only as Phil Sparrow, but an extraordinary archive of his papers, lost since his death in 1993, has provided the material for an exceptionally compassionate and brilliantly illuminating life-and-times biography. More than merely the story of one remarkable man, Secret Historian is a moving portrait of homosexual life long before Stonewall and gay liberation.

Justin Spring is a writer specializing in 20th-century American art and culture and is the author of many monographs, catalogs, museum publications, and books, including Fairfield Porter: A Life in Art and Paul Cadmus: The Male Nude.

©2010 Justin Spring (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Astonishing….The probity and expansive vision of Spring’s work is a reminder that a great, outspread terrain of gay history remains to be mapped.” ( New York Times Book Review)

“Jaw-dropping…. Reads like a novel probing a lifelong rebel’s courage, creativity, and ultimate sadness.” ( San Francisco Chronicle)

“This is a rich and exuberant biography of a man who deserves to be better known.” ( The Economist)

Riveting

This biography is fascinating, insightful, sad, and important. Spring is really writing about the history of gay men across the 20th Century, using Steward's rich and troubled (alcoholism, addiction, financial woes) and meticulously documented life as the vehicle. I often sat in my car, delaying going into my apartment, just so I could listen to more. The reader is excellent.

Superb biography

Very thorough telling of the life and works of a most important 20th century gay man. Appreciated learning about this man.

Very Revealing and Secretive Indeed

What made the experience of listening to Secret Historian the most enjoyable?

First and foremost, its content, which has been very under-chronicled. Secondly, the narrator, who has has a very clear voice, and speaks at a good speed. He sounds educated and a bit literary. All good points.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Samuel himself for being such a magical child and adult. The big cheese in the Chicago homo wrestling scene (I forget his name now), Alice B Tolkas and more.

Have you listened to any of Sean Runnette’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Sorry to say that I haven't

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely !!!!

Fabulous Contribution

Spring’s account of Steward’s life is an exceedingly well documented and comprehensive examination of a complex literary and cultural figure. I can give no higher recommendation for any work.

"Healing Power of Truth"

Justin Spring sorts a lifetime of data and tells a compelling story. Neither prurient nor prudish, the book takes seriously its subject, and I imagine that Steward himself would surely love the result. I urge readers/listeners to consider also engaging with Polchin's INDECENT ADVANCES and Gevisser's PINK LINE; together, the three well-written books catalyze deep understanding of the queer experience in the 20th and early 21st centuries. Runnette's performance is quite good but, to my ear, oddly slow paced. Within the Audible app, I sped the recording 20% to achieve a narration rate that pleased me.