Gentleman Jigger: A Novel of the Harlem Renaissance
Gentleman Jigger: A Novel of the Harlem Renaissance
Author: Richard Bruce Nugent
Desc: An important addition to the literature of the period Gentleman Jigger is the story of two brothers. Aeon who passes for white and becomes a famous poet faces the conundrums of love across the color line. Stuartt who is openly homosexual-as was the author-joins the younger intellectuals of Harlem in defying authority figures both black and white at the notorious “Niggeratti Manor.” After the group disperses Stuartt moves to Greenwich Village and becomes sexually involved with a young hoodlum. Charming and audacious Stuartt eventually seduces one of the gangster’s top bosses Orini before his friendships with Wayne a young heiress and Bebe Orini’s “moll ” set them all spinning in a whirlwind of jazz-age glamour and celebrity...that ends in an ironic dénouement.