Simon LeVay is probably best known for his involvement in the controversial "nature versus nurture" debate in the early 1990s, when he published research material that suggested that homosexuality may be predetermined by biology.  This possibility has a wide variety of social implications: from challenging religious views on whether homosexuality is really a wilful sin or simply a matter where those involved have no conscious choice whatsoever; through to extremist views that if a medical cause could be found for homosexuality, this could lead to the testing of pregnant women and the aborting of babies found to have a genetic predisposition.

LeVay's novel, "Albrick's Gold" takes on board the tone of such public controversy as he questions the possible ethical dilemmas that arise from his own work: he examines the possibility that bigotry, masquerading as science, might seek a possible "cure" for homosexuality - and he suggests that such ideological warfare invites a possible outbreak of more open hatred and violence.

LeVay's novel is set in the world of scientific research, based loosely upon the structure of his own professional world. This gives the book a touch of realism that is frightening in its implications.  The protagonist is a character who shares LeVay's interest in studying the scientific causes for sexual orientation.  The antagonist, Albrick, is a man who is prepared to use that same science to further his aims of genetic purity.

Portions of this novel vary in terms of writing quality, and some readers may be offended by some of the "adult" portions of this novel.  Furthermore, it includes some "technobabble" which presupposes that readers are familiar with particular scientific or geographic knowledge.  Nevertheless, as a piece of fiction set in our contemporary world, "Albrick's Gold" is science fictional speculation of the highest order: it seeks to suggest how science could be used or abused and its impact upon the lives of ordinary people.  It is a gritty read with adult language and concepts.

Hardcover version (US publisher) 1997  ISBN 1563335182
UK editions (c) 1997 by Headline Book Publishing, Great Britain,
Softback edition published 1997  ISBN 0-7472-7687-0
Paperback edition published 1998  ISBN 0-7472-5854-6