(LGBTQ history) INTERNATIONAL GUILD GUIDE ’69 (1969) Book

Washington, D.C.: Guild Press, 1969. Vintage original book, 8 1/2 x 5 1/4″ (21 x 13 cm), printed wrappers, staple-bound, 143 pp. (8 blank pages at end). Just about fine.

A remarkable–and remarkably scarce–book published only several months prior to the Stonewall uprising. WorldCat lists not a single copy of this book in any library (and only a single copy of an entirely different book issued in 1970).

This guide to LGBTQ-friendly establishments was compiled from information sent to the publishers from readers of previous editions. Although this was an international guide, the first 85 pages are devoted to the United States (with about 5 pages for Canada and 2 for Mexico). Inevitably, there are many establishments listed in large US cities; but there are as well listings for Burlington, Iowa; Dover, New Hampshire; Wichita Falls, Texas; and Yakima, Washington.

Bars are coded with various letters indicating: “COLORED”; “LESBIAN”; “SHOW” (has drag and/or other appropriate entertainment).