'LOVE BOOKS' ON HOLD BY CUSTOMS OFFICIALS ON BASIS OF MORAL TURPITUDE
San Francisco, California (JFK+50) On March 10, 1926, Associated Press reports that San Francisco customs officials "are detaining" a shipment of ten "love books," English translations of the Roman poet Ovid*, on the basis of "moral turpitude**."
A local book dealer has been notified that the books are being held as "prohibited importations."
The matter, AP says, is "pending a ruling from Washington."
*Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE) was a renowned Roman poet best known for a collection of mythological translations. His works include the erotic 'Ars Amatoria' (Art of Love).
**moral turpitude is conduct considered inherently base, vile, depraved or counter to accepted standards of morality. The term has often been used in immigration law since the 19th century.
SOURCE
"Turpitude of 'Love Books' Questioned By Port Officials," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., March 10, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
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