Banned Books Week is coming to a close, but we still have a few documents to share with you. In 1984, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” was classified as “forbidden” in a Waukegan, Illinois, school district for its language.Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel was the second-best selling book of the 19th century, right behind the Bible. It was a controversial book as soon as it was published—and it continues to be debated and criticized for its language, portrayal of slavery, and stereotypes of slaves.Shortly after Harriet Beecher Stowe published “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” F.W. Thomas, the editor of a German newspaper in Philadelphia, began translating the work and publishing it in installments—without paying royalties. Stowe and her husband sued in the Federal court in Philadelphia, and Mrs. Stowe submitted a deposition describing her authorship.Image: Page one of the deposition of Harriet Beecher Stowe, 01/03/1853. National Archives Identifier: 278936. Read the full deposition here: http://go.usa.gov/DwRh
Appeal Request from Lenny Bruce v. Hon. John M. Murtagh, Criminal Court of the City of New York: Special Sessions: County of New York: Part 2B: Frank S. Hogan, The District Attorney of the County of New York, 12/15/1964
A comedian and night club performer, Lenny Bruce regularly used obscenity in his act and was repeatedly arrested for violating state obscenity laws. After his conviction, Lenny Bruce appealed, claiming that his rights to due process, guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, were violated. The appeal overturned his conviction, but only after Bruce had died on August 3, 1966.
Remembering the Titanic, 100 Years Later
Among those providing a deposition was Managing Director of the White Star Line, J. Bruce Ismay. Ismay was questioned about the Titanic’s speed, its lifeboats, the lookouts and other issues that may have contributed to the disaster. Throughout his testimony, Ismay stated that all decisions were made by Captain Edward Smith. According to him, he was onboard solely to study passenger accommodations.
Explore more records from the Titanic found at the National Archives at New York.
Page 11 of this 83 page deposition is shown, read the entire document.