CLASSIC UNDER FIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 47, 25 February 1939, Page 9

CLASSIC UNDER FIRE

INDECENT PUBLICATION? PROSECUTION AT AUCKLAND [ Per Press Association.] AUCKLAND, Feb. 24. The book “The Decameron," by Boccaccio, was the subject of a prosecution under the Indecent Publications Act against Howard Keddeil Sumpter, a principal of the London Book Club, in the Police Court before Mr. F. H. Levien S.M. Defendant was represented by Mr. Munro, and pleaded not guilty to the charge that he hired an indecent document to a plain clothes constable on October 14, 1938. Detective-Sergeant McHugh said the Solicitor-General had given his consent to the prosecution. The constable, who was a member of the London Book Club, a large library with branches in all the main centres of New Zealand, 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, he added, making reference to six passages, the pages of which he detailed. “It may be claimed that the book is a classic of literary and artistic merit,” Detective McHugh continued. “However, it was openly displayed and made available to persons of either sex without any restriction to age, and in this way we claim it could have only a very immoral and mischievous tendency on readers, as referred to in the Act. We cannot find any statutory definition of an indecent document, but hold it to be anything offensive to common propriety." Constable T. J. Hughes gave evidence that he joined the library last June, and on October 14 picked “The Decameron” at random from one of the shelves, paying 6d to hire it. No question was asked regarding his age. After reading some of the stories, he submitted the book to a superior officer. His age was 37. Detective E. A. Stevenson said he was instructed to read the book through, and while doing so he made notes of certain stories. Authority was obtained from the SolicitorGeneral to proceed with the prosecution, and when he informed defendant of the prosecution on November 4 the latter admitted he gave authority for the book to be put into circulation in the library. He also admitted that there was no age limit for members, but said there was none under ’he age of 16.

Attitude to Classics “This is a case which brings into question the whole attitude of the law at present toward books called classics,” said Mr. Munro. “It is common ground that "The Decameron” is a classic. Nor do I think it will be disputed that “The Decameron” holds a supreme place in the literature of all time.”

Counsel read a reference to “The Decameron” from the "Encyclopaedia Britannica” .stating: "'The Decameron’ is an absolute work of art as detached as a play by Shakespeare or a portrait by Velasquez. ‘The Decameron’ is a world in itself and its effect upon us who read it is the effect of life which includes for its own good things moral and immoral." “I am not going to submit that there are not passages in the book which are not of an unpleasant character,” counsel continued, "but if that is going to be our standard of criticism we will find few books immune from unpleasant references in this age. The directness of the early writings have been objectionable in certain ages, |>ut tastes change with generations and we live in an age today that looks upon matters [rankly.

“If 'The Decameron’ is to be condemned it will be equally possible to condemn much modern liberature," said Mr. Munro, mentioning “Jew Suss," “Anthony Adverse,” and “The Rains Came.”

“This prosecution is in a different category from the usual one and that in which Belzac's works were recently cited. This is a prosecution against a major work of literature, and I believe it is the first time that a classic of the reputation of 'The Decameron’ has been branded as indecent in this manner."

Professor’s Opinions Professor W. A. Sewell, Professor of English at Auckland University College, said in evidence that the book produced was a presentable translation of Boccaccio. It was translated in precious style, although it would not win a scholarship in English. The illustrations were not offensive, although 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 the man who has not read ’The Decameron’ could not claim to be well educated in the European sence. It was written in the 14th. cenrury, and admittedly there is an ironical undercurrent that makes the writing morally estringent to certain minds, 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 Library, or whether it was obtainable in the University Library. He sa d it was certainly not obscene or indecent.

When asked to read two peonages in the book, witness said Boccaccio had to be read as a whole to be appreciated. There was a type of mind that would concentrate on passages which would give them se'.f-indu'gent pleasure —the type of mind that regarded the Dictionary, B’ble, and Shakespeare as pornographic. The ordinary type of mind would find Boccaccio dull.

At this stage the case was adjourned until Tuesday.