Book · 2022 · AIDS (Disease)
It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful
Why people recommend it
It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful by Jack Lowery is a compelling chronicle documenting the impactful history of the AIDS activist group Gran Fury. When discussing notable reads on The Book Review during the episode Art, Outrage and How the Culture Wars Began in June 2026, guest Isaac Butler shared his enthusiasm for the publication with host Gilbert Cruz. Butler explicitly highlighted the work during the program's dedicated book recommendation segment, describing it as a deeply beautiful text centered on the storytelling of the activist collective. The conversation underscored the cultural and historical resonance of the movement, drawing attention to Lowery's sensitive yet powerful narrative framing. Listeners interested in social history, the arts, and grassroots political organizing were directed to this striking historical account. Butler's endorsement framed the book as an essential artistic and cultural artifact emerging from a turbulent historical era, emphasizing its unique capacity to preserve the memory and visual activism of Gran Fury for contemporary audiences seeking to understand the roots of modern political engagement and public health advocacy.
Who recommended it
- Isaac Butler Recommended
Isaac Butler — 1 mention
“Another is Jack Lowery's recent It Was Vulgar It Was Beautiful. Have you read that one Gilbert? It's a very beautiful beautiful book about telling the story of Gran Fury.”