Acquired Tastes XLIII: Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 144 - Adam's Gay Readers: Part 1 of 10

Acquired Tastes XLIII:

Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 144

Adam's Gay Readers: Part 1 of 10

This week we kick off a ten-part series of posts dedicated to Adam's Gay Reader's.

Adam's Gay Reader's were released under the Surey Books banner, and published from 1983-1991. Whether this imprint is related to other Surrey publications remains to be seen.

The books were distributed by Star Distributors, which operated out of a P.O. Box  (P.O. Box 36) at the Canal Street Station in New York City, NY.  

A total of 155 titles were published, all featuring distinctively soft, but gay-erotic illustrations, all in a watercolor-like style.

Described by The Book Merchant Jenkins as:

"One of the many gay erotic pulp novels produced in the mid to late 20th century. These short sexually explicit stories, many of which were formulaic and published in easily recognizable series with graphically illustrated covers and titillating titles each targeting a specific sexual niche, demonstrate the breadth of sexual fantasy, occupation, desire, and deviance of the emerging homosexual culture."

 And... so far, that's all I have learned about this imprint. If you have any info, leave it in the comments section or contact me via blogger.

This week: I found 12 out of 15 covers.

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Piano-Bar Pickup

Author: Roland Graeme

1983

AGR-101

Roland Graeme is a familiar name. He's wrote quite a few for the HIS69 imprint and a couple for the Just Us Boys series. In addition he's written a ton of homo romance novels. It's a pseudonym used by Michael Scott - a name he also writes under. So, why the pseudonym? It might have something to do with giving the public a false sense that they're supporting more than one author?

In any case, I do so love a piano bar. Not those dueling piano circuses they're foisting on the public these days, but an honest to goodness cocktail lounge where on occasion a singer sits in for a set. It's very relaxed and a lot of fun on open mic night. The Gay 90's had a lovely one featuring one of my favorite local pianists. He played for me a couple of times and was always very complimentary regarding my choice of material. He was such a cutie. Dare I say... we could have made beautiful music together! C'est la vie.

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Lovers to the End

Author: Mark Von Ritchie

1983

AGR-102

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The Rearing of Lazarus and more

Author: Elihu Starr

1983

AGR-103

From what I've been able to figure out, most of these books are actually a collection of short stories. I'm not even sure if they have a theme, other than lots of naked bodies grinding on one another.

That title? A clever play on words. Doctor porn is hot; a tad clinical for my taste, though. Too many props, although I'm sure the authors of these type of books don't waste a lot of time on all the medical formalities.   

I wonder if this was a big seller, given the timing? AIDS was truly ramping up it's destructive ways in 1983 - with no cure in sight. Hardly seems the sort of thing on might find sexy, given that.

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Jock-Rape

Author: Jeff Kincaid

1983

AGR-104

Another familiar name. Kincaid wrote numerous titles for both the HIS69 and Manhard series. He seems to specialize in shock value subjects; reaming, scat, watersports, bondage and rape. 

I have mixed feelings about this one; it's an odd juxtaposition - a watercolor street gang rape? I remember all those 'street' movies that came out in the mid-eighties. Inspired by MTV videos, they seem a bit laughable now. Hollywood has always had an odd sense of street life. Remember how they would play up homeless people as cute comic relief?

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Four Starr Lovers

Author:  Elihu Starr

1983

AGR-105

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Thar He Blows!

Author: Murray Montague

1983

AGR-106

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Hot Chicken

Author: Richard Westerly

1983

AGR-107

According to The Big Ass List at Hommi Publishing this one is about a high school boy who stumbles upon his teacher at a movie arcade. I assume that means dirty book store with booths where you drop a quarter to view some porn and then drop your pants around your ankles. Probably one of many tales in this little tome. Oh, and look! We're back in 'chicken' territory. Given that, I believe this imprint falls somewhere between the paste preppy wonderland of the Just Us Boys series and the harder-core HIS69 Series. 

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Teen-Mastered

Author: Wayne Tipton

 1983

AGR-108

This one also had a descriptor on The Big Ass List at Hommi Publishing. In this one teens describe their first sexual experiences, which, I must admit, appeals to the perv researcher in me. I love reading about the tentative fumbling and that first time rush of emotion. You know... that moment when you say to yourself, "I was born to do this!"

I think we all should find our calling.

Oh, The Big Ass List? What am I talking about. Well, if you go to Hommi Publishing and look under 'Series Lists'. It's right at the top. Seems some very dedicated vintage porn loving reader created a spreadsheet recording every vintage pulp fiction book written during the golden age of porn. There were some lapses, but it was incredibly comprehensive. The ones that were missing are being added by the owner of Hommi Publishing, so... it's a big ass list!

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Young Stud Shorts

Author: Anonymous

 1983

AGR-109

Look at that ass! Pristine! Such a pretty cover. The artist? I'm not sure. There could be more than one at work here, but the overall look is very consistent and continues to remind of the Just Us Guys series, although more graphic, for sure.

Oh, how I love group showers. Open showers. I mean, even when sex isn't on the table it's still super fun. The hot steam. The sneak peeks. All that extra soaping up. Sigh.

Isn't it romantic?

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Having Come The Long Way

 Author: Elihu Starr

1983

AGR-110

Hmm. Classical age porn. Greek? Roman? It's all fun. Look at those curly-haired studs. And what passes for clothing! I do believe I would have been right at home in that era.

Now, the title? Not sure. Probably about a quest. Some long journey completed. That would be rather 'classical' - Homo And The Odyssey, perhaps? Or a little Midsummer Night's Cream?

Or... it could be referring to those times when your dick has a mind of its own and you're like the energizer bunny... working away at it, but that orgasm remains elusive. Which you think would be better than having a really short fuse, right? But, if memory serves me right, not cumming is way worse than coming. I mean, at the end of every meal, there should be a bit of dessert.

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Trucker's Chicken

Author: Michael Scott

1983

AGR-111

Chicken - check. Trucker - check. Trucker cap - check. Pair of bun-hugging denim cut-offs - check.

Yep, looks like we're all set for a ride in a big rig! Hammer down, pedal to the metal.

The C.D./Trucker craze was long over by the mid-eighties - but you know what wasn't? Those Smokey And The Bandit movies. The first came out in 1977, the second in 1980, and the third (and final nail in that franchise's coffin) came out in 1983. For the third film, they were hoping Jackie Gleason could do much of the heavy lifting - and even though he was ably assisted by Jerry Reed, Pat McCormick and Paul Williams - those producers? They were wrong! Oh, there might have been an audience for such a movie... but it belonged on television - not the big screen.

Though, apparently Michael Scott was okay with his name being on this one.

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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High School Slave

Author: Jon Hartley

1983 

AGR-112

Looks like someone lost a bet... or did he?

You know what's smart? Losing at strip poker. I say, let the cards fall where they may... along with all of my clothing! If I could do it all over again? Hell, yes, I'd wanna get that party started and I'd lose at a furious rate. 

And, quite frankly, if that beautiful hunk was my roommate? I'd be waging bets right and left. Yes, sometimes you have to lose to truly win. 

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Uncle's Little Chicken

 Author: Carl Williams

1983 

AGR-113 

So, at the Open Library, which I finally joined this week, there is a copy of one of these books that you can check out on-line for an hour at a time. The bit I read? Quite stimulating. I truly was enjoying myself. But I couldn't help to notice all the typos. Yes, proofreading? Not this imprint's strong suit. But you're not expecting Shakespeare when all you want to do is shake your spear.

A note on The Big Ass List? Seems the text isn't the only thing these publishers got wrong on occasion. On the inside cover? Carl Williams becomes 'Karl' Williams - and, because Carl Williams actually wrote books for the HIS69 imprint, such as Runaway Kid and Punk Chicken, I guess we know which one is right.

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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 Horny Stud Memories 

Author: Bob Hancock

1983 

AGR-114

To this day I enjoy me some car fun. Hell, sometimes neither party can host - and you would think that would limit your options or that you'd need a big back seat to take care of business, but you'd be surprised. I'm 6'1" and you would not believe the things I have accomplished in tiny, compact cars. That's why it pays to work out, no matter your age. When it comes to sex, flexibility is the name of the game!

And back seats? Aww, they're just for amateurs, son.

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Hot Shorts

Author: Jeff Kincaid

1983 

AGR-115

Oh, my! Hard to tell where the shorts end and the tan line begins on blondie, there. Not that he need try much. Looks like he's got himself a captive audience! Initially, I thought this was a beach scene, but looking closer, I think our bound hunk is atop a bed. As for what exactly his chains are bound to, I have no idea - something I believe I have in common with the artist. While very sexy and suggestive - this cover appears a little undercooked. Well, I suppose the artist had to hand something in before this one went to print. 

I'm sure even Michelangelo had to deal with deadlines.

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And that's all for now.

Next time: more Adam's Gay Readers magic.

Until then...

Thanks for reading.

Hot Shot - Karen Young