This contribution to historical documentation on homosexuality is in the league of works by Boswell, Chauncey, Tamagne and others. It covers a vast stretch of time and the full diversity of the subject matter. The author starts with the European roots of Argentine homophobia, covers what is known about sexual diversity in pre-columbian civilisations and recounts the first days of Spanish colonization before delving into Argentine history proper. Having never lived in Argentina, my judgement of those parts of the book is indirect : his coverage of topics such as the Knights Templar, Karl Heinrich Ulrichs and the Stonewall riot are among the best pages I've ever read on these topics. The author's coverage of Argentine history is just as detailed and I assume just as intelligent. I learned a lot about Argentine social history and culture. The author delves deeply into each topic then boils it down to 3 or 4 pages of clear, easy to follow history. I recommend this to anyone who has an interest in gay studies. Top rating.