An Open Secret: The Family Story of Robert and John Gregg Allerton Paperback – Illustrated, 30 April 2021

This is an interesting case study of how two gay men were able to carve out a ridiculously hedonistic and satisfying life together at a time when homophobia was rampant, homosexuality was criminalized and same-sex love was considered a form of insanity. How did they do it? They used the immense fortune that one of them inherited to buy privacy that couldn't be invaded, legal protections that brought them impunity and plenty of influence and friends in high circles . While the arc of gay history changed dramatically during the period in which these men lived, one truth about American society always stayed the same: Money talks! And the Supreme Court only recently confirmed it. If you're rich in this country, you are in fact different from everybody else.While Syrett doesn't emphasize this point in the book, he does present a detailed account of what the gay hoi-polloi had to contend with (police raids, lost jobs, ruined reputations, suicidal ideation) as Robert Allerton and his "son" John Gregg were strolling naked through their "oriental" gardens, dragging pieces of art from foreign countries to decorate their many foyers, or drawing up lists of socialites to invite to their costume parties. If you're expecting to find gay pioneers in this book, you'll be very disappointed. These guys would have been appalled by gay activism -- or progressive thinking of any kind, -- and would probably have been happier if they lived a hundred years earlier (but were just as rich of course).It's obviously not the objective of the author to lionize these men; it's the queer context that surrounded their lives that's makes this an important work of queer history. But I couldn't help feeling at bit disappointed that, based on the extensive research conducted for this book, the two men who form the crux of the story come across as so incredibly dull and superficial. I guess we''re so used to reading biographies of queers who were great achievers, artists or geniuses that we gays have developed an inflated self-image. Well, if so, after centuries of self-hatred and denigration, that might be a sign of progress, no?

I love this book because it’s a historical account of the glamorous life of an LGBT icon and his younger lover. To me it reads like a gay version of Downton Abbey. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re interested in art, history, architecture, reading about the lives of the rich and famous, and LGBT themes, this book has it all. It would make an excellent movie.

This is a fascinating and very readable account of an early same sex relationship, peculiar to a very rich older man and his young companion. How they built a wonderful life for themselves in their extraordinary English looking manor house in the countryside of Illinois and their gorgeous Hawaiian second home is an inspiration!

After touring the gardens and home, i wanted to know more about their history. Two wealthy white men able to love because of that. Did nothing to further the cause for others. As a matter of fact, were anti-semitic and racist. So disappointed in them.