Matter of Obscenity: The Politics of Censorship in Modern England

The history of British censorship from the Victorians to Margaret Thatcher, revealing the tensions between obscenity law and a changing society. It goes behind the scenes of major trials and uncovers the routines of everyday censorship, shedding new light on the British reception of literary modernism and popular entertainments.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Princeton University Press

The history of censorship in modern Britain has been a complex and evolving phenomenon, shaped by the changing social, cultural, and political landscape of the country. In the Victorian era, lawmakers and judges in Britain had to grapple with the question of whether books should be allowed to circulate freely, particularly those that were considered to be obscene or potentially harmful to the moral and mental well-being of the working classes. This approach remained in place even as society underwent significant transformations, such as the rise of literacy and the expansion of democratic rights.

In 1960, the obscenity trial over D. H. Lawrence's novel Lady Chatterley's Lover brought this issue to the forefront of public attention. The prosecutor in the trial asked the jury whether they would want their wives or servants to read the book, highlighting the tensions between obscenity law and a changing British society.

Christopher Hilliard, in his book "The History of British Censorship," delves into the history of British censorship from the Victorian era to Margaret Thatcher's reign. He explores the complex interplay between obscenity law and a shifting British society, shedding light on the tensions between freedom of expression and morality. Hilliard goes behind the scenes of major obscenity trials and uncovers the routines of everyday censorship, providing a fresh perspective on the British reception of literary modernism, popular entertainments such as cinema, American-style pulp fiction, and comic books.

Through extensive archival research, Hilliard presents a multifaceted account of the history of censorship in Britain. He reveals the thinking of lawyers, police officers, authors, publishers, politicians, and ordinary citizens as they grappled with questions of freedom and morality. He describes how supporters and opponents of censorship alike tried to remake the law in response to the changes in sexuality and culture that began in the 1960s.

This book is a valuable contribution to the study of censorship in modern Britain. It challenges readers to consider the complex issues surrounding freedom of expression, morality, and the role of government in regulating cultural content. It also provides a rich historical context for understanding the social, cultural, and political developments that have shaped the country's censorship policies over the past century.

In conclusion, the history of censorship in modern Britain is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has been shaped by a range of social, cultural, and political factors. From the Victorian era to the present day, lawmakers, judges, and ordinary citizens have grappled with the question of whether books should be allowed to circulate freely, and how to balance the need for freedom of expression with concerns about morality and public safety. Christopher Hilliard's book "The History of British Censorship" provides a valuable insight into this history, shedding light on the tensions between obscenity law and a changing British society.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691197982