TLS (May 1963) from Publisher Ralph Ginzburg to Columnist Walter Winchell Just Prior to Ginzburg's Obscenity Trial-Plus All Four Issues Published of Eros
1963. TLS (May 1963) from Publisher Ralph Ginzburg to Columnist Walter Winchell Just Prior to Ginzburg's Obscenity Trial
Letter measures 10.5 x 7.25 inches on "Eros" letterhead. Recto only. Three manuscript edits in pen. Also, Winchell's characteristic pencil markings including the single word "use". Previous folds. Fine Condition.
Letter from the embattled editor of Eros to newspaper columnist Walter Winchell regarding Ginzburg's forthcoming obscenity trial. "Based on most recent issue of Eros, Day [Postmaster-General J. Edwin Day] has secured my indictment for mailing "obscene" literature with possible maximum fine of $240,000 and 140 years of prison. Repeat, 140 years of prison....I am giving this to you a week ahead of anybody else."
Includes all four issues of Eros including the final Marilyn Monroe photo issue. Magazines are in good to very good condition. The magazine ceased publication as a result of a criminal case brought by then Attorney General Robert Kennedy and Postmaster General Edwin Day.
According to a Wikipedia article: "Ginzburg's most famous publication, Eros, a high-priced magazine of classy erotica, was launched in 1962 and only four issues were published before he was indicted on charges of violating federal obscenity laws and had to stop publishing the quarterly. He was found guilty by the Supreme Court eventually and sentenced to five years in prison. (He was released after eight months.)"
Walter Winchell was a newspaper gossip columnist and radio news commentator and likely the most influential journalist during this period; a word of praise or criticism from Winchell could make or break careers. Item #1934
Price: $275.00