Idols (1998) by Jonathan Black is a hardcover gay erotic photography book that celebrates the male body with intensity, elegance, and a bold sense of desire. Published by Bruno Gmünder in Berlin, this 136-page first edition stands as one of the most recognizable contributions to homoerotic visual culture of the late 1990s.
Jonathan Black’s photographs focus on strong, masculine figures presented as contemporary “idols.” His men are often shown in commanding yet sensual poses, balancing power with erotic vulnerability. The use of bold colors, simple backdrops, and staged scenes highlights the physicality of the models while keeping attention firmly on their presence.
Idols avoids cliché by offering portraits that mix erotic allure with an almost heroic representation of men. Some images recall classical sculpture, while others embrace playful scenarios. The result is a series of photographs that turn everyday men into icons of beauty and erotic energy.
This 1998 edition remains highly collectible among fans of gay photography and queer art history. The hardcover design ensures durability, making it a book that has survived as both an erotic object and a cultural artifact. For many collectors, Idols captures a turning point in gay publishing: a moment when photography of men was becoming more widely recognized as both erotic art and cultural documentation.
Jonathan Black’s contribution lies in how he presents men not only as sexual beings but also as figures of admiration and fantasy. By calling them “idols,” he elevates his models into something larger than life while still keeping their humanity intact.
For admirers of homoerotic photography, queer aesthetics, and Bruno Gmünder’s catalog of classics, Idols (1998) is an essential title. It is as much about visual pleasure as it is about the creation of gay cultural icons.
