Morals Versus Art (eBook)

Anthony Comstock (1844–1915) was not renowned as an author in the traditional literary sense, but rather as a fervent moral crusader, notorious for his campaign against obscenity. Originally from New Canaan, Connecticut, Comstock was a devout Christian who funneled his puritanical zeal into the censorship of materials he deemed immoral. His vehement advocacy for Victorian morality culminated in the 1873 passage of the 'Comstock Law,' federal legislation that made the distribution of 'obscene, lewd, or lascivious' materials a punishable offense. 'Morals Versus Art,' Comstock's lesser-known work, provides insight into his views on the threats he perceived in creative expressions that, according to him, defied the moral conventions of the day. His writings and actions sparked significant controversy and debates over freedom of expression and censorship in the United States. Though his stance on morality has since been criticized for its infringement on civil liberties, his influence on American social and legal norms has had enduring consequences. The debate surrounding Comstock's legacy continues to shed light on the tension between societal moral standards and the freedom of artistic expression.