ON
← Back to feed
Alan Turing's gay short story reveals 'fun, cheeky' man who loved sex and literature
United Kingdom🏛️ PoliticsProgressive18 hr. ago

Alan Turing's gay short story reveals 'fun, cheeky' man who loved sex and literature

A newly analyzed unpublished short story by Alan Turing, titled 'Pryce's Buoy,' offers a more nuanced portrait of the mathematician beyond his well-known contributions to computer science and cryptography. The story, discovered in the archives of King's College Cambridge, depicts a working-class rent boy named Ron Miller and a homosexual scientist named Alec Pryce, with Alec clearly representing Turing himself. The narrative explores themes of sexuality, social class, and personal desire, challenging the common perception of Turing as a reclusive, logic-driven figure. Professor Sarah Dillon, who led the research, argues that the story reveals Turing as a playful, witty, and sexually aware individual, contrasting with the stereotypical image popularized in films like 'The Imitation Game.' The story is believed to have been written around 1952 or 1953, shortly before Turing's arrest for homosexual acts, which led to his prosecution under Britain's anti-sodomy laws.

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and your personalized For You feed.

Become a Supporter

Go to the primary sources (1)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

1 reports

Phys.org logoPhys.orgIndependentProgressive18 hr. ago
Alan Turing's gay short story reveals 'fun, cheeky' man who loved sex and literature

A newly analyzed unpublished short story by Alan Turing, titled 'Pryce's Buoy,' offers a more nuanced portrait of the mathematician beyond his well-known contributions to computer science and cryptography. The story, discovered in the archives of King's College Cambridge, depicts a working-class rent boy named Ron Miller and a homosexual scientist named Alec Pryce, with Alec clearly representing Turing himself. The narrative explores themes of sexuality, social class, and personal desire, challenging the common perception of Turing as a reclusive, logic-driven figure. Professor Sarah Dillon, who led the research, argues that the story reveals Turing as a playful, witty, and sexually aware individual, contrasting with the stereotypical image popularized in films like 'The Imitation Game.' The story is believed to have been written around 1952 or 1953, shortly before Turing's arrest for homosexual acts, which led to his prosecution under Britain's anti-sodomy laws.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Turing's personal life and sexuality in a sympathetic light, emphasizing his humanity and complexity rather than focusing on the legal persecution he faced. While it does not overtly advocate for any political cause, the emphasis on Turing's sexuality and the historical context of

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories