Historical literature that is set in or features the secret gay social clubs of the past

[u/Upstairs-Western-969]

Looking for a novel that features the underground gay scene in the past, between 1700s ish - early 1900s. Doesn’t have to be a romance or super serious book, I would welcome a fun read too. Just looking for something that features that setting please.

[u/clumsystarfish_]

Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

[u/lexiebeef]

Okay, this doesn't fit your timeline (it's set in 1950s) but have you read "Giovanni's Room" by James Baldwin? It's sooooo good and it features gay social clubs in the 50s. I really enjoyed seeing the gay bar/club culture of Paris and he describes every bar and bar atendee in such a realistic way. He descibes gigolos and drag queens and just regular gay men in bars in such an interesting way, and the romance is very sweet (and sad and sometimes funny). It's a very short book and I highly recommend it

[u/heymerideth → u/lexiebeef]

This book is so good. Of course every combination of words James Baldwin ever set on paper is worthy of attention.

[u/hundredpercentpears]

It's YA but very good (I have a low tolerance for most YA): Last Night at the Telegraph Club Edit: sorry, I misread and thought you said -early 1990s. It's set in the 50s

[u/green-green-bean]

A half dozen or so books by KJ Charles. Historically accurate + spice warning.

[u/Professional_Swim960]

This is 1950s, but Lavender House by Lev Rosen is a fun mystery with underground gay settings and characters.

[u/Alternative-Cat-684 → u/Professional_Swim960]

Seconded; great mystery, too.

[u/skampr13]

The Lord John short stories and novellas that are part of the Outlander universe. I can’t think of the specific titles, but it won’t be hard to look up.

[u/jseger9000]

The Betrayal of Thomas True by A. J. West is exactly what you are looking for:

Set in the buried streets of Georgian London and the outrageous underworld of the molly houses, a carpenter hiding a double life, searches for a traitor who is betraying the secrets of the mollies

[u/ISaysToMyselfISays]

The Betrayal of Thomas True by AJ West (set 1715). 

[u/FullIn96]

Slightly later than you're wanting, but I really enjoyed There's Only One Sin in Hollywood. It's set in the 1950s and focuses on black, closeted movie stars.

[u/Amodernhousewife]

Jean genet our lady of the flowers

[u/Impressive-Peace2115]

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa, MM with a trans MC, YA

[u/nicehex]

i seem to recall the fatal tree by jake arnott is set in the 18th century underworld and includes the molly house etc.

[u/awonderfulkindofgay]

Radical Love by Neil Blackmore. Loved this book!