Book Says Florence Nightingale Lesbian (Press, 29 December 1977)
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Summary: Book Says Florence Nightingale Lesbian (Press, 29 December 1977)
On 29 December 1977, it was reported that a new novel by English author Dr Richard Gordon portrays Florence Nightingale, the famed founder of modern nursing, as a lesbian. The book, titled "The Private Life of Florence Nightingale," presents a fictional narrative in which Nightingale engages in a passionate romance with another woman. Dr Gordon, who is well-known for his "Doctor in the House" series, asserts that his portrayal draws from real letters that Nightingale wrote to her friends, suggesting a basis in factual accounts. In defending his work, Dr Gordon pointed to specific letters where Nightingale alludes to her intimate relationships, claiming she mentioned “having shared the beds of English countesses and German cowgirls” and noted her unique experiences with women of varying religious backgrounds. Despite these claims, the Royal College of Nursing expressed strong opposition to the book's interpretation of Nightingale's life. A spokesman for the college defended Nightingale's reputation, emphasising her status as a “great Victorian lady” and critiquing Dr Gordon’s focus on her sexual history. The spokesman argued that Dr Gordon's interpretation is overly reliant on letters, which may not present a comprehensive view of Nightingale's character, highlighting that it reflects only one man's perspective. Dr Gordon maintained his position, contending that his work is rooted in facts rather than an intention to tarnish Nightingale's legacy. His novel is positioned not only as a fictional account but also as an exploration of the lesser-known aspects of Nightingale's life, despite the backlash from institutions aimed at preserving her historical significance.
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