Maestro by Peter Slater (Idol / Virgin Publishing, 2000)

modern Gothic gay erotic novel from Idol, Virgin Publishing's now-defunct homoerotic fiction imprint. Written by Peter Slater.

Ramon, a young Spanish cellist, travels to the remote castle of the legendary Maestro Ernesto Cavallo in search of private tuition. His technique is flawless but his playing is missing something the great musician hears immediately, and Cavallo decides the only way to draw it out is to put Ramon through a series of sexual trials. What follows is a dark, sensual study of pain, devotion, and Catholic decadence, equal parts erotica and Gothic novel.

Cover design by Slatter-Anderson, cover photography by Colin Clarke. Adult fiction, originally retailed at £7.99. 224 pages.

The Idol imprint has been out of print for years and copies are increasingly hard to source. Maestro stands out in the catalogue for its literary ambition and Gothic atmosphere, with appeal beyond the erotica audience alone. A strong addition for collectors of vintage gay paperbacks.

Condition: slight crease to top left corner of back cover, otherwise clean

ISBN: 9780352335111

ISBN: 9780352332523