James Broughton

In his memoir Coming Unbuttoned (1993), Broughton recounts his childhood, reflects on his work, and remarks on his love affairs with both men and women. Among his male lovers were gay activist Harry Hay and publisher Kermit Sheets. In 1962, Broughton married Suzanna Hart. The couple was divorced in 1978. On Christmas Eve 1976, Broughton celebrated his relationship with artist Joel Singer in a marriage ceremony. Eschewing the labels homosexual, heterosexual, and bisexual, the poet and filmmaker describes himself as a "pansexual androgyne." This witty and impudent confession is the work of a cultural pioneer whose adventures among the famous and the infamous extend from New York circles of the '30s to the avant-garde antics of San Francisco in the '60s and '70s. Born a gleeful poet in a solemn family, James Broughton survived military school, Stanford University, the merchant marine and journalism before his passion for cinema and his dedication to poetry crystallized in 1948 with his first book and the first of his many films. In the '50s he worked in London and Paris; and for many years he occupied a special place in the San Francisco Bay Area as a performer, playwright and professor. In "Coming Unbuttoned" Broughton shares intimate memories of Anais Nin, Alan Watts, Robert Duncan, Maya Deren, Jean Cocteau, W.H. Auden, Pauline Kael, Kenneth Rexroth, Robinson Jeffers, and the poets of the Beat Generation.

James Broughton, with life partner, Joel Singer, created some of the most avant-garde films of the 1950s, 60s & 70s and fathered a child with legendary film critic, Pauline Kael. He was a "Walt Whitman of film" and received the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement award in 1989. No discussion of the spirituality of film and cinema can be complete without his contributions being taken into consideration. Making Light of It, Broughton's book on filmmaking, first appeared from City Lights in 1977 under the title "Seeing the Light." Rewritten, with a new title, this book appeared again from City Lights in 1992. This new version began with a glance at Dante's Vita Nuova: "On a foggy morning in 1946 Sidney Peterson took me to an abandoned cemetery in San Francisco where I discovered a new life." As he did with everything, Broughton constantly mythologizes cinema, seeing it in relationship, not only to himself, but to various worlds and contexts.

HOOPLAS are festive tributes to friends and intimates of the author, who salutes their talents and personalities with song, fanfare and wit. These odes for odd occasions are offered in praise of friendship, in memory of merriment, and in awe of love.

Seeing the Light, James Broughton's book on filmmaking, first appeared from City Lights in 1977. Rewritten, and with a new title (Making Light of It), the book appeared again from City Lights in 1992. This listing is for the 1977 edition.

Companion to the rare classic James Broughton film of the same name, filmed at an early Radical Faerie gathering. The book contains the poetry recited in the film. A key work of the Radical Faerie cannon (alongside the work of Harry Hay, and the publishing efforts of the RFD and White Crane magazines).

"A LONG UNDRESSING is for all miraculous people who believe in the miracle of the rara avis, whether born in Modesto, California, or under a local bodhi tree. Other who stand by to give their blessing to this one include Blake, Bach, Mother Goose, Shakespeare, Stravinsky, Yeats, Auden, Joyce, Firbank, Stein, and all singers of fair folksongs." -- Jonathan Williams

Secrets Of A Career Girl - Carol Marinelli With the same work ethic that made her a doctor, Penny is determined to start a family. She’s come to terms with having IVF alone, but the biggest obstacle is keeping it a secret from her persistent boss, Ethan Lewis. Penny thought it was her hormones making her hyperaware of Ethan’s dark eyes and sexy smile, but as she confides in him, she realises it’s their sizzling chemistry! For The Baby's Sake - Beverly Long Burned in the past, Detective Sawyer Montgomery has learned to stay guarded when a beautiful woman is involved. Problem is, getting the key testimony to close a case requires a hands-on approach, because strong-willed counsellor Liz Mayfield is quickly getting under his skin. Now that his witness, Liz’s client, has suspiciously vanished, joining forces to save the pregnant teen’s life is their only option. But it soon becomes clear that the danger targeting Liz places her in need of protection — and this unexpected complication will test every fibre of Sawyer’s self-control... A Very Special Delivery - Brenda Harlen Being trapped in a strange town in a freak blizzard is scary enough, but Julie Marlowe just went into labour in someone’s driveway! Lucky for her, a handsome stranger came to her rescue. Several hours later, Julie was the proud mother of an infant son…and in danger of falling for the sexy vet who delivered her baby! Lukas Garrett didn’t know how much he wanted to be a father — or a husband! — until he helped bring Julie’s little boy into the world. But Julie’s past could derail her future with Luke, unless she’s willing to trust her heart…