Of Scandal and Censorship

Fanny Hill

 

     The erotic novel, "Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure", also known as "Fanny Hill," by John

 

Cleland and first published in 1748 is arguably the most challenged book in history. A tale

 

of 15 year old orphan, Fanny Hill, who, seemingly by accident, begins a life of prostitution.

 

It is said to be the first pornographic English novel. Cleland made explicit references to

 

homosexuality, masturbation, orgies, cross-dressing, and even masochism in this

 

controversial book. However, surprisingly, he wrote this risqué novel without using one

 

vulgar word! He used subtly and innuendos, which apparently proved to be even more

 

explicit for some. Cleland’s protagonist, Fanny, enjoyed her sexual encounters; a shocking

 

notion on its own in the 18th century. She was especially fascinated with genitals describing

 

them as “a store bag of nature’s prime sweets”, “a pleasure-thirsty channel”, “a flesh brush”,

 

and, when referring to one generously endowed customer, “a maypole”. In 1821, the novel

 

was involved in America’s first obscenity trial when gentleman from Massachusetts

                                                                                               

                                                                    printed illustrated copies. It is rumored that Benjamin Franklin enjoyed one of those copies.

 

                                                                    Over a century later, in 1966, it became the subject of a U.S. Supreme Court case after a

 

                                                                    mother, upset by her son’s purchase of the book, made a complaint with the Obscene

 

                                                                    Literature Control Commission. The Commission recommended the book be banned              

 

                                                                    immediately. However, the Court deemed that the book was not obscene and was protected

 

                                                                    by the First Amendment. Despite the challenges of Cleland’s "Memoirs of a Woman of

 

                                                                    Pleasure," the novel proves to have relevance and value for readers, even today. And some                        

                                                                    may even go as far as crediting the erotic novel for contributing to the end of censorship in

 

                                                                    America (Graham).

                                                                                         -Michele Schor