Although it has been proven posthumously by scholars that Willa Cather had lesbian relationships, she did not openly celebrate lesbian desire, and even today is sometimes described as homophobic and misogynistic. What, then, can a reassessment of this contentious first lady of American letters add to an understanding of the gay identities that have emerged in America over the past century? As Marilee Lindemann shows in this study of the novelist's life and work, Cather's sexual coming-of-age occurred at a time when a cultural transition was recasting love between women as sexual deviance...

Thirteen original essays by leading scholars cover the complete range of Cather's career, including most of her novels and short stories. The essays situate this major, enigmatic American novelist's work in a broad range of critical, cultural, and literary contexts. The introduction explores current trends in Cather scholarship and her place in contemporary culture. A detailed chronology and a guide to further reading complete the volume.

Thirteen original essays by leading scholars cover the complete range of Cather's career, including most of her novels and short stories. The essays situate this major, enigmatic American novelist's work in a broad range of critical, cultural, and literary contexts. The introduction explores current trends in Cather scholarship and her place in contemporary culture. A detailed chronology and a guide to further reading complete the volume.