“THE DECAMERON”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 February 1939, Page 5

“THE DECAMERON”

ATTACKED AS INDECENT PUBLICATION. PROSECUTION IN AUCKLAND. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 24. The book' “The Decameron,” by Boccaccio, was the subject of a prosecution under the Indecent Publications Act against Howard Keddell Sumpter, a principal of the London Book Club, in the Magistrates’ Court before M. F. H. Levien, S.M. Defendant was represented by Mr Munro and pleaded not guilty to a charge that he hired an indecent document to a plain clothes constable on October 14, 1938. Detective-Sergeant McHugh said the Solicitor-Geheral had given his consent to the prosecution. The constable, who was a member of the London Book Club, selected “The Decameron” at random from the shelves of the Library in Auckland on October 14. The book was composed of 100 so-called stories, most of which were “of a very filthy nature.” Observing that it was common ground that “The Decameron” was a classic, Mr Munro said that if The Decameron” were to be condemned it will be equally possible to condemn much modern literature. He mentioned "Jew Suss,” “Anthony Adverse” and “The Rains Came.” Professor W. A. Sewell, Professor of English in the Auckland University College, said in evidence that the book produced was a presentable translalation of Boccaccio. It was translated in a precious style, though it would not win a scholarship in English. The illustrations were not offensive, though he preferred not to comment on their artistic value. ‘‘Boccaccio is definitely one of the most profound influences on English literature.” witness continued. “I would agree that a man who has not read ‘The Decameron’ could not claim to be well educated in the European sense. It was written in the fourteenth century and admittedly there is an ironical undercurrent that makes the writing morally astringent to certain mindo but not to all. The book is found in most of the world’s greatest libraries, including ‘Everyman’s Library.’ Cross-examined, witness said he did not know that the book was on the reserve list of the Auckland public librarj' or whether it was obtainable in the university library. It was certainly not obscene or indecent. The case was adjourned till Tuesday.