the well of loneliness by radclyffe hall

In my view the book would tend to corrupt the minds of young persons if it fell into their hands and its sale is undesirable. With regard to the contention which might be made on behalf of the authoress that she did not intend to corrupt her readers, intent is immaterial, the question for the Jury being “whether the tendency of the matter charged as an obscenity is to deprave and corrupt those whose minds are open to such immoral influence, and into whose hands a publication of this sort may fall” (see R. The fact however remains that it is in effect, as described in another review, a plea not only for toleration but for the recognition of sexual perversion amongst women.

It is described (see “Times” Literary Supplement) as sincere, courageous, high-minded, and beautifully expressed.

The book has been widely and favourably reviewed in the Press (see the numerous reviews forwarded to the Home Office by the publishers). Bodkin, I am asked for my observations is as to whether if the authoress of this novel were prosecuted “for obscene libel a jury would convict her”. I understand that the question upon which, in the absence of Sir A. 21 August, 1928 (Catalogue ref: DPP 1/88) Transcript The handwritten note by Home Secretary added at the end, said that prosecution would follow immediately if the book was not withdrawn by the publishers. A letter from the Director of Public Prosecutions to the Home Office commenting on a book entitled: ‘The Well of Loneliness’ by Radclyffe Hall first published by Jonathan Cape Limited.

The well of loneliness by radclyffe hall