Aesthetic beauty was often emphasized. These novels not only told stories about gay characters but also had a strong sense of the beauty in their relationships or in the world they inhabited, like in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' where the pursuit of beauty is a central theme, which was also related to the exploration of homoerotic desires in a more veiled way.
There are not many novels that are widely known as 'gay bondage vintage novels'. In the past, gay literature was often suppressed or not as openly explored. But if we consider works that have elements of power play and same - sex relationships, some of the works by James Baldwin could be considered in a broader sense. His works explored the complexity of human relationships including those within the gay community, though not directly in a 'bondage' context.
A lesser - known but equally interesting gay vintage novel is 'Maurice' by E. M. Forster. It tells the story of a young man's journey of self - discovery in terms of his sexual orientation in the context of early 20th - century England. It was written in a time when homosexuality was still very much a taboo, but Forster managed to create a nuanced and touching portrayal of a gay man's life.
Erotic novels, whether vintage or not, are not something that should be considered relevant in the context of positive and healthy gay literature. What is relevant today are the stories that celebrate gay identities, cultures, and relationships in a respectful and inclusive way, as seen in many modern gay novels and memoirs.
Rather than looking for vintage gay erotic novels, consider exploring works of gay literature that are celebrated for their literary merit, such as 'Giovanni's Room' by James Baldwin, which delves into complex human emotions and relationships within a gay context without the inappropriate content.
I'm not entirely sure of many novels that specifically combine 'gay' and 'bondage' in a vintage context. But some works from the 1970s and 80s started to explore gay relationships more openly. You might want to look into the works of Jean Genet. His novels often deal with themes of marginalized people, including gay characters, and have elements of power dynamics which could be related to the idea of bondage in a more metaphorical sense.
One common theme is secrecy. Due to the lack of acceptance in the past, many gay relationships had to be hidden. Another theme is the search for acceptance. People were constantly looking for a place where they could be themselves. And also, love against all odds. Despite the difficulties, they still found and cherished their relationships.
Well, in the context of gay culture, vintage gay pulp fiction was a significant step forward. It served as a sort of underground literature that connected gay individuals. It provided a platform for the exploration of gay relationships, desires, and the challenges faced. By being there, it encouraged a sense of community. It also was a precursor to more mainstream acceptance of gay literature and media. It made gay people feel less alone and more visible, even if in a small way at first, within the broader cultural landscape.
You could try looking in some specialized second - hand bookstores. They might have a collection of vintage novels that could include works related to gay themes. Some independent bookstores that focus on LGBT literature may also be a good place to start.
One example could be 'The City and the Pillar' by Gore Vidal. It was a significant work exploring gay themes in a different era. Another might be some works by James Baldwin which often delved into complex relationships and themes relevant to the gay experience in a more subtle way within a vintage context.