Conundrum

By Jan Morris | Publisher: New York Review Books

About the book

One of the first-ever books on gender transition, this poignant memoir by a trans woman is “the best first-hand account ever written by a traveler across the boundaries of sex” (Newsweek).

“A profoundly poetic story.” —The New York Times
“An exquisite read.” —Maria Popova, The Marginalian

The great travel writer Jan Morris was born James Morris. James Morris distinguished himself in the British military, became a successful and physically daring reporter, climbed mountains, crossed deserts, and established a reputation as a historian of the British empire. He was happily married, with several children. To all appearances, he was not only a man, but a man’s man.

Except that appearances, as James Morris had known from early childhood, can be deeply misleading. James Morris had known all his conscious life that at heart he was a woman.

Conundrum, one of the earliest books to discuss transsexuality with honesty and without prurience, tells the story of James Morris’ hidden life and how he decided to bring it into the open, as he resolved first on a hormone treatment and, second, on risky experimental surgery that would turn him into the woman that he truly was.

Editions of Conundrum

Paperback
ISBN 9781590171899
EBook
ISBN 9781590177129

Read an Excerpt

One of the first-ever books on gender transition, this poignant memoir by a trans woman is “the best first-hand account ever written by a traveler across the boundaries of sex” (Newsweek).

“A profoundly poetic story.” —The New York Times
“An exquisite read.” —Maria Popova, The Marginalian

The great travel writer Jan Morris was born James Morris. James Morris distinguished himself in the British military, became a successful and physically daring reporter, climbed mountains, crossed deserts, and established a reputation as a historian of the British empire. He was happily married, with several children. To all appearances, he was not only a man, but a man’s man.

Except that appearances, as James Morris had known from early childhood, can be deeply misleading. James Morris had known all his conscious life that at heart he was a woman.

Conundrum, one of the earliest books to discuss transsexuality with honesty and without prurience, tells the story of James Morris’ hidden life and how he decided to bring it into the open, as he resolved first on a hormone treatment and, second, on risky experimental surgery that would turn him into the woman that he truly was.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Conundrum about?

One of the first-ever books on gender transition, this poignant memoir by a trans woman is “the best first-hand account ever written by a traveler across the boundaries of sex” (Newsweek).

“A profoundly poetic story.” —The New York Times
“An exquisite read.” —Maria Popova, The Marginalian

The great travel writer Jan Morris was born James Morris. James Morris distinguished himself in the British military, became a successful and physically daring reporter, climbed mountains, crossed deserts, and established a reputation as a historian of the British empire. He was happily married, with several children. To all appearances, he was not only a man, but a man’s man.

Except that appearances, as James Morris had known from early childhood, can be deeply misleading. James Morris had known all his conscious life that at heart he was a woman.

Conundrum, one of the earliest books to discuss transsexuality with honesty and without prurience, tells the story of James Morris’ hidden life and how he decided to bring it into the open, as he resolved first on a hormone treatment and, second, on risky experimental surgery that would turn him into the woman that he truly was.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Conundrum?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general

Where can I read a sample of Conundrum?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781590171899

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Conundrum?

Jan Morris

Who is the Publisher of the book Conundrum?

New York Review Books

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Conundrum is available as paperback(ISBN 9781590171899) and ebook(ISBN 9781590177129)

Where can I buy Conundrum online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Conundrum from below

Where can I buy Conundrum?