Tuesday Titillation: We're Head Over Heels, Again!

Tuesday Titillation:

We're Head Over Heels, Again!

It's spring.

And I, for one, am head over heels about it. That said, I know I'm not alone.

Take a look at the gentlemen below.

Granted... they got it backwards.

For they are all heels over head - which is a fine way to be - especially when you have a bad case of spring fever!

My suggestion? Follow their lead.

And be you heels over head or head over heels?

Get excited about the prospect of  all the fun under the sun that's to come!

With each spring...

My heart sings.

Enjoy!

- uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque

Head Over Heels - Tears For Fears

Head Over Heels - Go-Go's

Acquired Tastes XLIII: Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 221 - Rough Trade, Part 18 of 19

Acquired Tastes XLIII: 

Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 221

Rough Trade

Part 18 of 19

Today, we take another look at the Rough Trade imprint.

Brought to you by the good people at Star Distributors, LTD., the Rough Trade imprint published 224 titles, from 1974-1990. Star Distributors, LTD. operated out of a P.O. Box at the Canal Street Station in New York City.

The imprint's numbering system begins with RT-401, and continues thusly. The book number only appears on the spine of the book.

All the books feature the imprint's distinctive Rough Trade logo in the upper left of the book's cover.  The books cover design consists of an all-caps (typically) title in a banner of orange or baby blue near the top. A frame is created by two white stripes descending from the top banner to a thin banner (orange or baby blue) containing the word 'Illustrated' - for the books are, with drawings throughout. At the center of the cover there is an explicit illustration - some ink/pencil, some woodcut/etching - all by various popular gay artists of the time, including Craig Esposito, Adam, Michael, etc.

Did I mention that there are illustrations throughout each book? Well, yes, there are, by the same artist as the cover art. Something for every chapter - so a daunting task for the illustrator, for sure.

Oddly, the early books in the series do not have a publisher's page. Price point for the books began at 2.25 and increased (by various increments) to $3.95. Typically, you can buy these books today for between $25-45.

The back covers sometimes feature a synopsis of the book to entice readers or advertisement for one of Star Distributors' other imprints. Ads also appear at the front or back of the book - offering books, videos, and sex toys.

And, starting with RT-605, the distinctive banner is now blue. The reason? These are re-issues of titles they have previously published with all-new artwork.

Here are the next ten titles. Came up short just once this week.

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 Stud Brute

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1987 

RT-605

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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 Leather Cruiser

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1987 

RT-606

--- ---

 Boy-Bait

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1987 

RT-607

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

--- ---

 Hard Hot and Hung

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1987 

RT-608

--- ---

 Cult of Leather

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1988 

RT-609

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

--- ---

 Hard Hat Night

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1988 

RT-610

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

--- ---

 Rough Riders

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1988 

RT-611

--- ---

 Trucker’s Load

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1988 

RT-62

(Cover not found.)

--- ---

 Wrangler Brutes

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1988 

RT-613

--- ---

 Men of Steel

 Rough Trade 

Author: Anonymous

 1988 

RT-614

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

--- ---

And that's all for now.

Next up: the final ten tantalizing titles from the Rough Trade imprint.

Until then...

Thanks for reading.

Man Of Steel - Hans Zimmer

Weekend Onesie: 

The Red Cross

Part VI

People who check in on this blog on a regular basis know that I am a huge fan of graphics. Some of the finest? From various government agencies and non-profit organizations around the world. I adore their big, broad use of color and presentation of iconic ideals, characters and images.

Non-Profit and Government agencies are responsible for any number of initiatives - suggestions brought home to the people by use of posters. Today, we'll take a brief look at the various campaigns to ensure vital life services are provided to those in need during wartime. This was a matter of great importance in order to ensure military success, as it was a case of all hands on deck to obtain the necessary personnel and funds. To facilitate that success, governments and non-profits got their messages out, boldly, colorfully and patriotically via brilliant posters - no one more brilliantly than the Red Cross.

Today's focus: the organizations work in Germany. Yes, need is need no matter which side you're on. And help goes where needed.

 

Simple and direct...

These graphics have become iconic.

And part of history.

- uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque

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In Germany Before The War - Marianne Faithfull

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In Germany Before The War - Randy Newman