Winner of the George Polk Award: Charles Rembar’s illuminating account of overturning America’s obscenity laws and protecting literature from censorship
Up until the 1960s, depending on your state of residence, your copy of Henry Miller’sTropic of Cancermight be seized by the US Postal Service before reaching your mailbox. Selling copies of Cleland’sFanny Hillin your bookstore was considered illegal.Lady Chatterley’s Loverby D. H. Lawrence was, according to the American legal system, pornography with no redeeming social value.
Today, these novels are celebrated for their literary and historic worth.The End of Obscenityis Charles Rembar’s account of successfully arguing the merits of such great works of literature in front of the Supreme Court. As the lead attorney on the case, he—with the support of a few brave publishers—changed the way Americans read and honor books, especially the controversial ones.
Filled with insight from lawyers, justices, and the authors themselves,The End of Obscenityis a lively tour de force. Racy testimony and hilarious asides make Rembar’s memoir not only a page-turner but also an enlightening look at the American legal system.
Up until the 1960s, depending on your state of residence, your copy of Henry Miller’sTropic of Cancermight be seized by the US Postal Service before reaching your mailbox. Selling copies of Cleland’sFanny Hillin your bookstore was considered illegal.Lady Chatterley’s Loverby D. H. Lawrence was, according to the American legal system, pornography with no redeeming social value.
Today, these novels are celebrated for their literary and historic worth.The End of Obscenityis Charles Rembar’s account of successfully arguing the merits of such great works of literature in front of the Supreme Court. As the lead attorney on the case, he—with the support of a few brave publishers—changed the way Americans read and honor books, especially the controversial ones.
Filled with insight from lawyers, justices, and the authors themselves,The End of Obscenityis a lively tour de force. Racy testimony and hilarious asides make Rembar’s memoir not only a page-turner but also an enlightening look at the American legal system.