Patricia Nell Warren’s 1974 novel, The Front Runner was the first work of contemporary gay fiction to make the New York Times bestseller list. Warren (1936-2019), who grew up the child of cattle ranchers in southwest Montana, began to write at the age of ten and by college was a recognized literary talent. Her second novel, The Front Runner tells of a closeted ex-marine track coach and his relationship with the openly gay college student he is training. Reflecting the pride in gay expression of the period and Warren’s own coming-out experience as a lesbian, the novel’s focus on the traditionally masculine worlds of professional sports and the military was groundbreaking and formative for gay literature and gay activism. And, while tragedy plays a part in the book, The Front Runner has none of the furtiveness or melancholia that seemed to infuse contemporary gay life and writing up to that point. It is a beginning in the process of closing the gap between public perception of the gay experience and the human experience. Condition: Fine bright copy, some toning on upper edges, near fine dust jacket, un price-clipped, in Brodart cover. Dimensions: 8.5" x 6".