Peter Schutes (1896-1981) served as an infantryman in France during World War I. It was in France he was introduced to an alternate lifestyle that matched his natural proclivities. His predilections caused him to be ejected from the service at the end of his tour of duty.
Sadly, his love for other men was treated as an illness. He spent several years in a California State Hospital, unable to change his nature. The experience left scars that took years to heal. In order to earn his freedom, he feigned a miracle recovery, professing his love for women. He went so far as to seduce a female nurse in order to earn his freedom. He later said it was ‘one of the deepest humiliations’ he suffered in order to survive.
Afraid of his own desires, he sought refuge in celibacy. It was only after moving to Hollywood in the late 1930’s that he reconnected with his primal urges and indulged his sexual desires once more.
He did not begin writing until the 1950’s. He found catharsis and psychological healing through his short stories and novels that depicted micro-worlds where love and sex between men were natural and free. His graphic language and taboo topics kept his work out of print outside Denmark until the landmark Memoirs vs Massachusetts (Fanny Hill) ruling that led to an explosion in American gay porn. Peter’s prolific volumes of steamy men’s tales were some of the finest literature to grace the shelves of dirty bookstores.
PS Publishers are honored to represent this true artist, whose unwavering, unapologetic voice still rings loud and clear in the 21st Century.
Peter Schutes 