News

Garber Announces Advisory Committee for Harvard Law School Dean Search

News

First Harvard Prize Book in Kosovo Established by Harvard Alumni

News

Ryan Murdock ’25 Remembered as Dedicated Advocate and Caring Friend

News

Harvard Faculty Appeal Temporary Suspensions From Widener Library

News

Man Who Managed Clients for High-End Cambridge Brothel Network Pleads Guilty

Jones Claims 'Amber' Fails To Move Him

Professor of English Objects As Prosecutor Calls Winsor Novel 'Indecent and Impure'

NO WRITER ATTRIBUTED

Its morals on trial under Massachusetts censorship law, "Forever Amber" found a stout defender yesterday in the person of Howard Mumford Jones, professor of English, who stated that the book did not "corrupt or deprave" him. Appearing as star witness for the defense in the current trial of Kathleen Winsor's risque best-seller, Professor Jones testified that the book "bored" his wife, and left his own moral standards unsullied.

Professor Jones was called by attorney Alexander Lindey, publishers' counsel, and after the Professor said he had read "Forever Amber," Lindey asked:

"Did it corrupt or deprave you?"

Professor Jones smiled and said:

"No, Sir,"

Lindey asked; "Did it lower your standards of right or wrong with respect to sexual behavior?"

Professor Jones smiled again and answered:

"I trust not, Sir."

Assistant, Attorney-General Rowell, prosecuting the book as "obscene, indecent, and impure," asked the Professor if he found "passages of sufficient warmth to lead to sexual excitement?"

Professor Jones answered: "I found the descriptions somewhat-shall I say-cold."

Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.

Tags