Escal-Vigor (1899) is a novel by Georges Eekhoud. Recognized as a groundbreaking work of LGBTQ literature, Escal-Vigor was praised by some of Belgium’s leading critics upon publication, but also led to a trial in which Eekhoud was accused of obscenity. Acquitted, he managed to retain his reputation as a leading writer in Belgium and continued publishing novels and stories, often on homosexuality, until his death in 1927. “Henry, whose nature was passionate and philosophy audacious, told himself, not without reason, that through his affinities, he would feel himself at home amid these beautifully barbarous surroundings, where natural instincts reigned.” Having lived freely around Europe, Henry Kehlmark returns to his family’s ancestral home, ready to settle down in the role of Dykgrave, or Count. Soon, however, his cosmopolitan ways draw the attention of the local villagers, who mistrust Henry and question his intentions. When the Count strikes up a romantic relationship with the burgomaster’s son, an impressionable youth, he risks violent reprisal as a homosexual living in proximity to a traditional, insular people. For once in his life, however, Henry feels like he can be himself, living truthfully and without fear, able to separate himself from the pressures that dogged so many of his loved ones, now deceased. When word of their relationship gets out, however, Henry discovers the limits of provincial hospitality. This edition of Georges Eekhoud’s Escal-Vigor is a classic work of Belgian literature reimagined for modern readers. Since our inception in 2020, Mint Editions has kept sustainability and innovation at the forefront of our mission. Each and every Mint Edition title gets a fresh, professionally typeset manuscript and a dazzling new cover, all while maintaining the integrity of the original book. With thousands of titles in our collection, we aim to spotlight diverse public domain works to help them find modern audiences. Mint Editions celebrates a breadth of literary works, curated from both canonical and overlooked classics from writers around the globe.
