James Baldwin & Lucien
The great love of Harlem's writer
The African-American writer James Baldwin and the Swiss Lucien Happersberger, whom Baldwin called "the one true love story of my life" though Lucien married women; their bond lasted decades and inspired "Giovanni's Room."
01Why it matters
Baldwin wrote Black and queer love with pioneering honesty; Lucien was his most intimate muse.
02The conflict
Racism, homophobia and Lucien's bisexuality.
03The iconic moment
Lucien nursing Baldwin through the illness during which he wrote "Giovanni's Room."
04What survived
"Giovanni's Room"; "The Fire Next Time."
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of James Baldwin & Lucien famous?
Baldwin wrote Black and queer love with pioneering honesty; Lucien was his most intimate muse.
How does the story of James Baldwin & Lucien end?
Lucien nursing Baldwin through the illness during which he wrote "Giovanni's Room." "Giovanni's Room"; "The Fire Next Time."
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