The Trials of Portnoy - by Patrick Mullins (Paperback)
Similar Products
Product info
<p/><br></br><p><b> About the Book </b></p></br></br><p><strong>For fans of Banned Book Week and champions of freedom of speech, a riveting read about the way a publisher changed censorship laws in Australia with <em>Portnoy's Complaint</em>.</strong></p><p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><p><strong>For fans of Banned Book Week and champions of freedom of speech, a riveting read about the way a publisher changed censorship laws in Australia with <em>Portnoy's Complaint</em>.</strong></p> <p>Until fifty years ago, books that might damage the morals of the Australian public were banned, seized, and burned. Bookstores were raided. Publishers were fined. Writers were charged, even jailed.</p> <p>In 1970, in great secrecy and at considerable risk, Penguin Books Australia resolved to publish <em>Portnoy's Complaint</em>--Philip Roth's frank, funny, and profane bestseller.</p> <p><em>The Trials of Portnoy</em> draws on archival records and interviews to show how Penguin and a band of writers, booksellers, academics, and lawyers sought for the freedom to read what they wished, even through criminal charges, police raids, and trials.</p><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><p>"An illuminating tale about book censorship in Australia...Publishers and bookstores are the heroes in this...entertaining account of a 'hard-won' battle." <br />--<b><i>Kirkus Reviews</i></b></p> <p>"Anyone interested in Australian history, politics and books generally will find much food for thought in this entertaining, well-researched and carefully written history." <br />--<b>Julia Taylor, <i>Books+Publishing</i></b></p> <p>"The finely detailed story of the legal fight in Australia against the censorship of Philip Roth's <i>Portnoy's Complaint.</i>" <br />--<b>Sean O'Beirne, <i>The Monthly</i></b></p> <p>"Mullins's compelling account of these last days of the old censorship regime skilfully draws on a rich range of sources, including interviews with many of the key figures involved. He gives an insight not just into how the system operated and the politics involved, but also into a significant cultural moment in Australia." <br />--<b>Amanda Laugesen, <i>Inside Story</i></b></p> <p>"Mullins has applied his skills in thorough research, forensic examination of evidence and a light wit to the numerous trials in different States which, in 1970-71, determined whether sales of <i>Portnoy's Complaint</i> should be permitted in Australia." <br />--<b>Mark Thomas, <i>The Canberra Times</i></b></p> <p>"[A] literary detective story with a difference." <br />--<b>Craig Munro, <i>The Australian</i></b></p> <p>"'[A] wonderful account of how a group of brave publishers, booksellers and academics brought down Australia's ridiculous censorship regime." <br />--<b>Barry Reynolds, <i>Herald Sun</i></b></p> <p>"<i>The Trials of Portnoy</i>, tells the true story of how <i>Portnoy's Complaint</i> was declared illegal throughout the Commonwealth, and how, eventually, it became a book we were allowed to own and read...The real treat of <i>The Trials of Portnoy</i> though, is to see how many people were willing to stand up in court and make the always difficult argument for literature." <br />--<b>Sean O'Beirne, <i>The Monthly</i></b></p> <p>"<i>The Trials of Portnoy</i> is full of the juice and drama and hilarity of the courtroom...Patrick Mullins has written an utterly diverting account of a bit of ancient Australian literary history...superb." <br />--<b>Peter Craven, <i>The Saturday Paper</i></b></p> <p>"Patrick Mullins' latest effort provides the most detailed account yet of this embarrassing moment in our inglorious history." <br />--<b>Chris Dite, <i>Readings</i></b></p> <p>""With The Trials of Portnoy, Mullins has further established himself as a first-rate historical storyteller and considerably strengthened our understanding of the history of censorship in Australia." <br />--<b>Nathan Hollier, <i>Australian Historical Studies</i></b></p> <p>"Mullins draws on his skills as an academic and writer to give an extraordinary rundown on these trials...[<i>The Trials of Portnoy</i>] could well become the ultimate academic guide to the changes to censorship in Australia." <br />--<b>Fiona Myers, <i>The Weekly Times</i></b> <p><b>Praise for <i>Tiberius with a Telephone</i></b></p> <p>"This is, as others have remarked, biography at its best: diligently researched, with detail nowhere else examined, and a demonstration of fine judgement concerning the crucial interplay between personal disposition, role demands, and historical context." <br />--<b>James Walter, <i>Australian Book Review</i></b></p> <p>"A welcome addition to prime ministerial biography...An engaging and informative read." <br />--<b>Troy Bramston, <i>The Australian</i></b></p> <p>"This is the most detailed investigation and explanation of what happened...Completing a biography of this scope is an enormous undertaking, and Patrick Mullins does it with considerable skill...Mullins conveys the turmoil, the atmosphere of crisis, the bickering and the bloodletting that marked this extraordinary period of Australian political history." <br />--<b>David Solomon, <i>Inside Story</i></b></p><br>
Price History
Cheapest price in the interval: 17.69 on November 8, 2021
Most expensive price in the interval: 17.99 on October 22, 2021
Price Archive shows prices from various stores, lets you see history and find the cheapest. There is no actual sale on the website. For all support, inquiry and suggestion messagescommunication@pricearchive.us