Anthony Comstock
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Anthony Comstock
ANTHONY COMSTOCK American reformer, Secretary of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice. Date: 1844 - 1915
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Media ID 7206915
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10155585
1844 Anthony Reformer Secretary Suppression Vice Comstock
EDITORS COMMENTS
Anthony Comstock: The Relentless Crusader Against Obscene Material in Early 20th Century America This striking photograph captures the intense gaze and unwavering determination of Anthony Comstock (1844-1915), an American reformer and the Secretary of the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice. Comstock's crusade against obscene material and immoral behavior began in the late 19th century and continued into the early 20th century, making him a controversial figure in American society. Born in Connecticut in 1844, Comstock moved to New York City in 1872 and became involved with the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). It was during this time that he became deeply concerned about the proliferation of pornography and other morally objectionable materials in the city. In 1873, he founded the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice, which was dedicated to the enforcement of existing laws against obscene literature and the prevention of the distribution of such materials. Comstock's methods were often controversial and drew criticism from civil libertarians and those who believed in the freedom of speech. He used undercover agents to purchase obscene materials and then worked with law enforcement to prosecute sellers. He also lobbied for and helped pass new laws, including the Comstock Act of 1873, which made it a federal crime to send obscene materials through the mail. Despite the controversy surrounding his methods, Comstock's impact on American society was significant. He is credited with removing thousands of obscene books and other materials from circulation and helping to establish the concept of obscenity as a legal category. In this photograph, taken in 1915, Comstock's steely gaze and determined expression serve as a reminder of his unwavering commitment to his cause, even in the face of controversy and criticism.
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