Could a Literary Obscenity Trial Happen Today?

In Discussion by Edward Nawotka

By Edward Nawotka

Today’s lead story looks at the career of Norwegian novelist Agnar Mykle who was felled in the 1950s by a notorious obscenity trial. By today’s standards, Mykle’s books — while still depicting sex — are mild. Today, there are writers who cater to every sexual fetish, disposition, perversion and interest — and, of course, genuine pornography is for most people only a mouse click away.

With that in mind, could a literary obscenity trial happen today? Is there a limit? Something so taboo as to raise the ire of moral judiciary? (And please note, we’re talking about in the West and not the parts of the Middle East, Africa and Asia where censorship is the norm.)

Let us know what you think in the comments.

About the Author

Edward Nawotka

A widely published critic and essayist, Edward Nawotka serves as a speaker, educator and consultant for institutions and businesses involved in the global publishing and content industries. He was also editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives since the launch of the publication in 2009 until January 2016.