Originally published in Europe in the 50s to avoid prosecution for obscenity, The Gaudy Image is one of the most important 'lost' gay novels. Set in New Orleans and featuring a colourful cast of louche but loveable characters, the story follows Titania aka Thomas Schwartz through the backstreets, bars and club of the French Quarter in search of the perfect lover - the Gaudy Image. A beautifully written story that is both elegant and caustically humorous, erotic and sympathetic.