Remarkably, Scott Gunther's history of homosexuality in France since World War Two is not informed by the classic narrative of "liberation." On the contrary, his book shows that the closet is still at work today (even in gay media), though it is forever being redefined. Indeed, this constant redefinition is what queer politics in France is all about. -- Eric Fassin, Ecole Normale Supérieure (Paris) author of L'inversion de la question homosexuelle

The Elastic Closet offers a compelling analysis of the legal imperatives and the social climate that have helped regulate homosexuality in France since the Second World War. Not only does Gunther analyze homosexuality from a "top-down" perspective, but he also delineates the different ways that homosexuals defined themselves and their relationship to the national polity. This study, which will interest students of gender and sexuality, French history and culture, and legal studies, suggests how the distinctive political culture of France has created unique opportunities and challenges for homosexuals over time in their struggle to attain equality.