This reference work investigates the historical and contemporary contributions of lesbian and gay authors to the canon of world literature. Gabriele Griffin, a scholar in gender and cultural studies, compiles a comprehensive directory that examines the lives and creative outputs of significant queer writers. The text provides a structured framework for understanding how sexual identity has influenced literary production and thematic development across various cultural contexts.

Scholars and students frequently utilize this volume as a foundational reference tool for identifying key figures in queer literary history. The text is noted for its academic rigor and its utility in bridging the gap between biographical data and critical literary interpretation.