Edmund Gordon

Sun, sex and acid: Thom Gunn in California

When the celebrated British poet moved to San Francisco in 1954 he wrote ecstatically about his marvellous new life. But was he protesting too much?

Thom Gunn, photographed in San Francisco in 1996. Credit: Chris Felver/Bridgeman Images

  • The Letters of Thom Gunn

    Edited by Michael Nott, August Kleinzahler and Clive Wilmer

    Faber, pp. 734, £40

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

James Rogers

How eastern Europe became a fortress

On Tuesday, Rishi Sunak chose Poland to announce that the United Kingdom would boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent of national income by 2030 – leading to a real term increase of over £20 billion over the next six years. The UK is confirming itself as Europe’s military champion, but it could achieve even more

Because you read about aids

Also by Edmund Gordon

Latest

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in