Acquired Tastes XLIII: Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 221 Rough Trade - Part 2 of 19

Acquired Tastes XLIII: 

Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 221

Rough Trade

Part 2 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.

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.

Here are the next dozen titles. I lucked out and found something for all twelve.

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Rough Trade

 Author: James Marcus 

Rough Trade

 1974 

RT-413

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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The Cocky Cowboy

 Author: C.K. Anfuss 

Rough Trade

 1974 

RT-414

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Ten Time Hole

 Author: George Wilson 

Rough Trade

 1974 

RT-415

According to Hommi Publishing's Big Ass List, this one is "a prison story".

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Ride a Hot Marine

 Author: Peter Towers 

Rough Trade

 1974 

RT-416

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Pumping Rookie

 Author: Jack Minor 

Rough Trade

 1975 

RT-417

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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The Coach’s Boy

 Author: Chuck Brett 

Rough Trade

  1975 

RT-418

 According to Hommi Publishing's Big Ass List, this one is about a "swim team coach".

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The Cocky Repairman

 Author: Floyd Lawrence 

Rough Trade

 1975 

RT-419

This book would be republished as part of the Manhard Series under the title The Telephone Installer as MH-482.

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Lessons

 Author: John Platt 

Rough Trade

 1975 

RT-420

According to Hommi Publishing's Big Ass List, this one is about "S&M in Provincetown".

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Whipping Boy

 Author: Terry Defoe 

Rough Trade

  1975 

RT-421

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Brothers

 Author: Michael Murry 

Rough Trade

 1975 

RT-422

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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 Humping Hustler

 Author: George Wilson 

Rough Trade

 1975 

RT-423

Available as a downloadable PDF or ebook at Hommi Publishing.

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Truck Stop Tricks

 Author: Bob Aaron 

Rough Trade

  1975 

RT-424

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And that's all for now.

Next up: a dozen more tantalizing titles from the Rough Trade imprint.

Until then...

Thanks for reading.

Whipping Boy - Elton John