On the Media: "Barney Rosset Never Backed Down" – Detailed Summary

Episode Release Date: February 2, 2022
Hosted by Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger, WNYC Studios

Introduction: The Context of Book Banning

The episode opens by addressing the contemporary issue of book banning, highlighting the recent decision by a Tennessee school board to remove Maus, Art Spiegelman's Pulitzer-winning graphic novel, from its curriculum. This removal serves as a springboard to delve into the historical landscape of American book censorship and the pivotal role played by Barney Rosset, the publisher behind Grove Press.

Barney Rosset and the Evolution of Grove Press

In 1951, Barney Rosset took the helm of Grove Press, a then-small and struggling independent publisher based in New York. Previously a native of Chicago and a war veteran, Rosset transformed Grove Press from a near-defunct entity with merely three titles into a formidable force that would challenge America’s conservative literary norms. Under his leadership, Grove Press began publishing groundbreaking and often controversial works, including those by Jack Kerouac and explicit erotica like The Story of O.

Rosset reflects on this transformative period:

"When we published Lady Chatterley's Lover, it was denounced as a wicked, perverse, terrible, degrading work, et cetera, et cetera." ([01:36])

Championing Controversial Literature

Grove Press became synonymous with literary defiance, particularly through its publication of seminal works deemed obscene by mainstream standards. Among these, D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover and Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer stand out as pivotal publications that ignited fierce legal battles defending the First Amendment.

Rosset elaborates on the publication strategy:

"The book I was going to publish, and did eventually, was Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer. I had read that at Swarthmore College in 1940, freshman English course... And so when I found myself publishing books, first thing I thought of was Tropic of Cancer." ([04:14])

Legal Battles: Defending Free Speech

The publication of Tropic of Cancer marked Grove Press's most arduous legal challenge. Rosset recounts the systemic efforts by authorities to suppress the book, particularly targeting specific pages deemed obscene.

"The court battles were certainly beyond what we imagined... we picked on one page, so happened to be page five of the book, to use as an example for other police to seize copies of the book." ([07:31])

These incessant legal confrontations spanned numerous jurisdictions, ultimately escalating to the Supreme Court, where Grove Press triumphed, setting a precedent for literary freedom.

Expanding the Literary Frontier

Beyond obscenity, Grove Press under Rosset also ventured into politically charged publications. Notably, the autobiography of Malcolm X became a significant addition after Rosset acquired the rights post-assassination, defying other publishers' hesitations due to safety concerns.

"When he was assassinated, there was a statement that the publisher here was not going to go ahead with publishing the book because it would be a danger to his employees that they might be physically attacked. I didn't feel that way and I bought the rights to the book." ([08:43])

Rosset's Publishing Philosophy and Personal Stance

Rosset viewed his endeavors not merely as business ventures but as a crusade for free expression and artistic integrity. His commitment was unwavering, often dismissing societal judgments about the obscenity of the works he chose to publish.

"Let's hang ourselves immediately. I didn't seriously listen to anybody who said books were smut or this or that. It didn't mean much to me." ([11:46])

Despite facing surveillance and scrutiny from agencies like the FBI and CIA, as referenced in his autobiography left Handed, Rosset remained steadfast in his mission.

Challenges and Surveillance: The Documentary "Obscene"

The episode touches upon the documentary Obscene, which chronicles Rosset's battles against censorship. Rosset critiques the film's portrayal, emphasizing his perspective over the producer's characterization.

"I think a good idea of the difference between my viewpoint and the viewpoint of the producer of the film was that he chose to call it obscene... the subject is left handed." ([09:14])

His autobiography further exposes the depth of government surveillance, revealing how agencies fixated on trivial aspects like being "left-handed," reflecting the absurdity of the scrutiny he endured.

Legacy of Barney Rosset

Barney Rosset's relentless fight against censorship left an indelible mark on American literature and the publishing industry. By championing works that challenged societal norms and legal boundaries, Rosset not only expanded the horizons of literary expression but also fortified the defenses of the First Amendment. His contributions were recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the National Book Foundation, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping modern American literature.

Conclusion: Continuing the Battle for Free Expression

The episode concludes by acknowledging Rosset's passing in 2012 and underscores the ongoing relevance of his battles in today’s context of intellectual freedom and media censorship. Listeners are invited to explore further discussions in the upcoming "Big Show" episode, which dives deeper into contemporary battles over books.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Barney Rosset on Publishing Controversial Works:

  • "When we published Lady Chatterley's Lover, it was denounced as a wicked, perverse, terrible, degrading work, et cetera, et cetera." ([01:36])

• Rosset on "Tropic of Cancer" Legal Struggles:

  • "The court battles were certainly beyond what we imagined... we picked on one page, so happened to be page five of the book, to use as an example for other police to seize copies of the book." ([07:31])

• Rosset on Defiance Against Smut Accusations:

  • "Let's hang ourselves immediately. I didn't seriously listen to anybody who said books were smut or this or that. It didn't mean much to me." ([11:46])

By chronicling Barney Rosset's unwavering dedication to publishing controversial literature, the episode serves as a compelling testament to the enduring fight for free speech and artistic freedom in the face of societal and governmental opposition.