Mind of the Censor and the Eye of the Beholder: The First Amendment and the Censor's Dilemma

The Mind of the Censor and the Eye of the Beholder explores how censors operate and why they wore out their welcome in society. It explains how the same tactics were tried and failed in the twentieth century, illustrating why censors are the ultimate counterculture warriors and why they never occupy the moral high ground.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Mind of the Censor and the Eye of the Beholder delves into the intricate workings of censors throughout history, beginning in the nineteenth century with Anthony Comstock, America's esteemed censor-in-chief. This comprehensive exploration examines the mechanisms employed by censors and explores the reasons behind their eventual decline in societal acceptance. The book sheds light on the unsuccessful attempts made in the twentieth century to censor music, comic books, television, and other forms of popular entertainment, highlighting the tactics employed and the ultimate failure of such endeavors. Through historical examples, The Mind of the Censor and the Eye of the Beholder not only elucidates the mindset and tactics of censors but also underscores their role as formidable opponents of censorship. It reveals why censors, even in free societies, never occupy the moral high ground. This enlightening book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the significance of freedom of speech and the historical evolution of protections for free expression in American identity.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107570375