Acquired Tastes XLIII: Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 131 - Adonis Classics, Part 16 of 25

Acquired Tastes XLIII

Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 131

Adonis Classics, Part 16 of 25

Greenleaf Classic Books, the publishers of  the Adonis Classics imprint, began in 1959 and continued until 1971, when management lost focus on the business due to the government's prosecution of obscenity, which became of major concern. 

By 1974, a new management team and staff were in place, operating out of an office at 7523 Raytheon Road in San Diego and production ceased on all existing imprints. In an attempt to break into mainstream markets, two new imprints were started which used cover art and titles that were not provocative. These efforts failed.

In 1975, with the loosening of censorship laws, the Adonis Classics imprint began production. It marks the end of Greenleaf Classic's Classic Age (1959-1975.) 

Adonis Classics would release a total of 252 titles during it's lifespan. 

The first twenty covers feature white backgrounds (with one exception) and colored drawings or black and white pencil illustrations. After the first two titles, a particular type-face was established, with the title appearing above the illustration. The distinctive Adonis Classics symbol was established with either the seventh or eighth title in the series.

After the first twenty titles, the imprint switched to their iconic red covers (though sometimes pink,) featuring a black and white pencil or ink illustration framed in a black circle which has an arrow attached - the universal sign for the planet Mars or to designate something as 'male.' The book's title at the top of the cover is similarly encased in a white circle with an arrow (the symbol for the planet Mars and 'male'.)

This week, I managed to find 9 out of 10 covers!

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Suckers For Truckers 

Author: Barton Lewis

AC 251 

Huh. I take it that is one of those lot lizards you hear about in trucker lore. He sure seems to have the goods to back up his advertisement. And so bold! In the light of day. Well, it's not as if they're vampires, although I am sure they both do their share of sucking.

Available as an e-book or pdf download at Hommi Publishing. 

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The Hustlers 

Author: Warren Stevens

AC 252 

Hustlin', hustlin', hustlin'! Who knew one industry would inspire so many novels? Why, its as if handsome, buff gay guys are good for little else. Adore this illustration, but I must say, that dude in the white tee? From the looks of him, he surely needn't rely upon the company of strangers. But, perhaps hustlers like Cowboy Joe, there, are simply his cup of tea. I have a friend whose first love was a hustler. One case of crabs later? Yeah, that ended that infatuation real fast.

Available as an e-book or pdf download at Hommi Publishing. 

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B&D Hustlers 

Author: Lambert Wilhelm 

AC 254

Not to be confused with AC 235 Lambert Wilhelm's B&D Buddies.

This would be a variation on The Breaking Wheel, also known as The Catherine Wheel. And while the young lad, based on appearances, seems to be enjoying himself, I can't imagine that would be comfortable, let alone sexually stimulating, for long. But then, one could surmise that the pleasure derived from B&D for the inflicted would have something to do with endurance. 

Me? I'd rather have a nice cup of coffee and a scone.

Available as an e-book or pdf download at Hommi Publishing. 

The Brig Boys 

Author: Barton Lewis

AC 255 

Ah, seamen! Taste the salty spray, indeed.

The idea of being trapped onboard a vessel with a bunch of fit, hunky men sounds like a dream come true. But the moment there are no working toilets? It would be man overboard, for me.

Available as an e-book or pdf download at Hommi Publishing.

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Stud On The Rings 

Author: Lambert Wilhelm

AC 256 

Hmm. Is this about gymnastics? Or the circus? In either case, I don't think the uniform the man in the foreground is wearing is standard issue. Also, I must question the motivational techniques being employed by the coach sporting that fabu belt. But, I suppose... whatever gets results, am I right?

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Dirt Road Chicken 

Author: Barton Lewis

AC 257 

Young country boys from backwoods small towns - I'm sure they're quite appealing for some. Having grown up side-by-side with some, I can tell you, they do possess a bit of local yokel charm and can be naturally sweet. But these days? The most physical thing I'm likely to do with one would be to pat them on the head and send them on their way.

 

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Golden Shower Greeks 

Author: F.W. Love

AC 258

Ah, a return to ancient times... when frat boys and hazing were both tolerated. 

Of course, it still goes on behind closed doors, but hopefully they've learned there are limits to what constitutes 'a  bit of fun'. I've never found the notion of being abused by a bunch of pinheaded jocks all that appealing. But, to each their own. 

Those golden showers, on the other hand...

Available as an e-book or pdf download at Hommi Publishing. 

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Weekend Cruising 

Author: Warren Stevens

AC 259 

In summer, what else are weekends for? BBQs? Bicycle Rides? Hiking? Camping?

Not in my world. For me?

It's all about cruising. Friday afternoon comes and I am on the hunt. Its fun, it's thrilling. There's no other rush like it.  This illustration perfectly captures what it can be all about. Can be. In the real world, one must temper one's expectations.

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Hunter Stud 

Author: Lambert Wilhelm

AC 260 

Oh, my... that is quite the weapon that sportsman is bearing. 

I say... always go 'hunting' with a buddy. Trust me...

Nothing beats shooting together!

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And that's all for now.

Next week... ten more scintillating, titillating titles.

Until then...

Thank you for reading.

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Hustler - Josef Salvat