I’ve been getting a lot of mileage using ChatGPT-style AI as an enhanced search engine. When it works well an LLM gives me a clear useful answer with plenty of followup links. What I like best is the synthesis of the AI reply, the idea the LLM has somehow condensed hundreds or thousands of sources and given me a clear answer with some explanation.
In one example, I asked for a book recommendation.
I’ve never read anything by Mary Renault. What book should I read? I want something fun and enjoyable and with some gay male content.
Phind-70b gives me the best answer. It gives me a conversational reply like talking to a knowledgeable friend. It gives me one specific recommendation with justification for why it’s a good choice. And then it discusses other options. There’s 10 references offered for followup research, two of which are cited explicitly as footnotes.
Bing Copilot’s answer is a little disappointing in comparison. It just gives me 3 direct recommendations with a couple of descriptive sentences. It’s fine as a search engine but not quite a conversation.
ChatGPT-4o’s answer is somewhere in between. It’s also primarily a list answer but it has a lot more descriptive justification. It’s like an email from a librarian with a lot of spare time.
I think all three of these AIs are roughly the same scale / class of thing. Copilot and ChatGPT-4o are both ChatGPT 4. Phind-70b is Llama-70B. I think the main differences are the tuning of the prompts, whatever is happening behind the scenes to tame the demon in its machine prison and compel it to give answers to people. There’s an enormous amount of development in this area right now and it feels very productive.
(I think it’s hilarious Copilot gives me LGBT pride emoji in its answer, concluding with 📚🌈. I see you, queer Microsoft product manager!)
Phind
Based on your interest in a fun, enjoyable read with gay male content, I highly recommend starting with “The Persian Boy” by Mary Renault. This novel is the second installment in Renault’s Alexander the Great trilogy and offers a unique perspective on Alexander’s life through the eyes of Bagoas, a Persian eunuch who becomes Alexander’s lover. The book is praised for its detailed portrayal of historical events, its exploration of love and relationships, and its insightful depiction of cultural and societal norms of the time. Readers have described it as a masterful blend of love story and historical novel, with impeccable research and perceptive writing 1.
“The Persian Boy” stands out for its rich storytelling, blending adventure, romance, and historical insight seamlessly. It provides a deeply personal account of Alexander’s campaigns and his relationships, particularly highlighting the complexities of his bond with Bagoas. This relationship is explored against the backdrop of Alexander’s embrace of Persian culture and the challenges he faced due to racial tensions within his own ranks 1.
While “The Persian Boy” is often cited as a favorite among Renault’s works, it’s worth noting that the entire Alexander trilogy is highly regarded for its historical accuracy and engaging narrative. However, if you’re specifically looking for a book with significant gay male content presented in an accessible and enjoyable manner, “The Persian Boy” is an excellent choice to start with 14.
Copilot
Certainly! Mary Renault is a fantastic choice if you’re interested in historical fiction with gay male content. Here are a few recommendations:
- “The Charioteer”: Set in England during World War II, this novel explores same-sex relationships and was groundbreaking for its time. It’s a great blend of romance and historical context1.
- “The Persian Boy”: Part of a series based on the life of Alexander the Great, this book effectively outed Alexander and features gay male relationships in ancient times2.
- “The Last of the Wine”: Renault’s first novel set in ancient Greece, it’s a bestseller within the gay community and beautifully portrays male homosexuality as a major theme3.
Feel free to choose the one that resonates with you the most! 📚🌈
ChatGPT-4o
Mary Renault is renowned for her historical novels set in ancient Greece, and several of her works contain gay male characters and themes. For a fun and enjoyable introduction to her writing, consider starting with one of the following books:
1. “The Persian Boy”
- Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Alexander the Great from the perspective of Bagoas, a young Persian eunuch who becomes his lover. The book delves into their relationship and the historical events of Alexander’s conquests.
- Why Read It: It offers a vivid and engaging portrayal of historical events with a strong focus on the relationship between Alexander and Bagoas. The book is rich in historical detail and provides a deep emotional connection to its characters.
2. “The Last of the Wine”
- Synopsis: Set during the Peloponnesian War, this novel follows the lives of two young Athenian men, Alexias and Lysis, who develop a deep and passionate friendship that evolves into a romantic relationship.
- Why Read It: This book is celebrated for its portrayal of the intimate bond between its protagonists, set against the backdrop of a fascinating period in Greek history. It’s a great mix of historical context and personal drama.
3. “Fire from Heaven”
- Synopsis: The first book in Renault’s Alexander trilogy, it covers the early years of Alexander the Great, his relationship with his mother Olympias, and his burgeoning friendship with Hephaistion, who would become his lifelong companion and lover.
- Why Read It: This novel is an excellent starting point for those interested in Alexander the Great. It combines historical fiction with the exploration of Alexander’s early relationships and his path to becoming a legendary leader.
4. “The Charioteer”
- Synopsis: Though not set in ancient Greece, this novel takes place during World War II and follows Laurie “Spud” Odell, a wounded soldier who forms a complicated relationship with two men: Andrew, a conscientious objector, and Ralph, a fellow soldier.
- Why Read It: This novel provides a modern setting while still exploring the themes of male relationships and love. It’s a beautifully written story about identity, love, and societal norms.
Each of these novels offers a compelling story with rich historical detail and strong, nuanced characters. Depending on your interest in ancient history or more modern settings, any of these would be an excellent choice to start with Mary Renault’s works.
Bonus: Kagi Quick Answer (Claude 3 Haiku)
Based on the available information, I would recommend you start with Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault. This book is the first in her “Alexander the Great” trilogy and is described as following Alexander’s story from boyhood, including his gay relationships. [1]
Several sources mention that if you enjoyed Madeline Miller’s “The Song of Achilles”, which also features gay male characters, you will likely enjoy Renault’s writing as well. [1]
Additionally, Renault’s works are praised for their engaging prose and ability to captivate readers. One reviewer said they were “mesmerized” by the first volume of Renault’s “Alexander Trilogy”, which includes Fire from Heaven. [2]
So in summary, Fire from Heaven seems like an excellent introduction to Renault’s acclaimed historical fiction that also explores gay themes in an enjoyable and compelling way. [1][2]
Nelson's log 