I picked this up because it was $2 at Half Price Books, and I wanted to rescue at least one copy from the ignominy that was the atmosphere of that particular Cincinnati suburb's Half Price. It is, as the cover says, a collection of "20th century male same sex lovers in the visual arts," although that description applies flexibly to the subjects of the works included in the book. Petry's editorial choices are surprisingly wonderful, tending to the brightly colored and the dazzlingly erotic; he focuses on two-dimensional works primarily, and seems to favor painting over other mediums. I noticed a theme of assemblage, paintings crowded with repetitions or figures. Petry's descriptions and background information are wickedly informative, but take second place to the color plates. I was able to rediscover some old favorites, such as Keith Boadwee. A wonderful coffee table book (depending on the coffee table), sure to provoke discussion. ( )