Castrated: My Eight Months in Prison

by Ralph Ginzburg

A biographical account of the prison term served for pornography by Publisher Ralph Ginzburg.

35 pages, unknown

First published March 1, 1973

About the author

Ralph Ginzburg was an American editor, publisher, journalist, and photographer. He was best known for publishing books and magazines on erotica and art and for his conviction in 1963 for violating federal obscenity laws.

Reviews

[Nik Maack · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mere 35 pages in length, it's not surprising this book is short on details. The best part is the mugshot on the front inside cover. The writing is pompous, and sometimes silly. Reunited with his wife, Ginzburg describes their sex in florid prose that is embarrassingly grandiose. More romance novel than porn story.

Ginzburg went to prison for publishing an art magazine with sex in it. Declared obscene, his magazine got him a 3 year sentence. This was in 1972, which is the most disturbing part. He was released after 8 months. Why only write a 35 page book? Why not something with more depth? What the hell, Ginzburg?

He uses the word "claustrophobifacient" to describe his cell. Here's another choice example of his writing:

"Although, as I have indicated, the furlough was a sublime experience overall, its summital moment came right at the outset."

It is annoying when someone I consider a hero has such inconvenient flaws. I want to punch him.

[Meredith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lacking in detail