C. H. Rolph (1901–1994)

Penguin Books were the accused party in this attempted prosecution for publishing an obscene book. A Who's Who of the English literary world stood up to proclaim this book (Lady Chatterley's Lover) a work of great literary merit. The book the subject of these comments was edited extracts from the trial. Comprising opening addresses by counsel; evidence in chief and cross-examination of most of the witnesses; final addresses by counsel; and the trial judge's charge to the jury. There are much better examples of the forensic examination of evidence and witnesses; and there are also better examples of deft use of oratorical skills but it was such an extremely important trial in establishment of personal liberty. It gets its four stars for the importance of the issue presented rather than the literary merit of the document itself.… (more)

A fascinating summary of the 1960 trial which determined whether or not Penguin Books could proceed with their unexpurgated publication of Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover".
The book offers transcripts of the opening and closing speeches of both the prosecuting and defending counsels together witha selection of testimonies from the wide array of expert witnesses.
In fact, I found this far more interesting than the novel itself which I am sure would now be long-forgotten if it were not for the notoriety that sprang largely from the trial itself.… (more)