For Sale: Howl of the Censor. Edited / Intro by J.W. Ehrlich. San Carlos, CA: Nourse Publishing Co., 1961.

Description

Howl of the Censor: The Four Letter Word on Trial provides a comprehensive account of the 1957 obscenity trial concerning Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl.” The book includes the full text of “Howl,” along with edited transcripts of the court proceedings, offering insights into the legal and cultural challenges faced during this landmark case.

The trial, officially titled “The People of the State of California v. Lawrence Ferlinghetti,” centered on whether “Howl” was obscene. Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the publisher of the poem, was charged with disseminating obscene literature. The defense argued for the poem’s literary and social value, leading to a verdict that ultimately deemed “Howl” not obscene, marking a significant victory for freedom of expression. It’s also the first hardcover appearance of the poem!

J.W. Ehrlich was a prominent defense attorney, his legal philosophy encapsulated in his motto, “Never Plead Guilty”. His introduction contextualizes the poem and discusses the history of censorship. Other notable clients included Billie Holiday, Gene Krupa, and Sally Rand.