This book, an interesting documentary of 18th and 19th homosexuality in America captured my interest though it was a subject I would normally become absolutely bored. Jack's style is so intense that the reader is quickly pulled into his "spell" in the process, becoming immersed in the emotional outpouring of grief as well as the inability of Fitz-Greene Halleck to find any romantic/emotional support which could fill his void. So exemplary are these allusions, this reader was not sure who exactly was being documented. Life did not get any better with the loss of his one love; a love who could never give him what he wanted though it is never clear why. The fact that he was married was an indication that he was "in the closet" and it is not disclosed whether or not a physical/sexual relationship was ever consumated. Dr. Hallock spent much time researching the facts for this book and when finished(10 years of research), it was as if "Fitz-Greene" could finally rest. Enjoyed the book immensely, reading it with Jack's mother in his house in Philadelphia - though it appeared he was able to bring the emotions of Fitz-Greene to life. Well worth the paper back, at least.