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#OTD 1934: Judge Woolsey’s decision that Joyce's ULYSSES was NOT obscene was upheld by the US Court of Appeals - meaning that ULYSSES, published in 1922, was finally allowed to be published in America. Post on my site, incl. text of Woolsey's decision. sheilaomalley.com/?p=57165 
Woolsey's decision was a landmark decision in terms of freedom of speech. Not only is it gorgeously written in its own right (see above link: well worth your time), but it's a wonderful work of literary analysis as well.
"If one does not wish to associate with such folk as Joyce describes, that is one’s own choice. In order to avoid indirect contact with them one may not wish to read “Ulysses”; that is quite understandable...."
"But when such a real artist in words, as Joyce undoubtedly is, seeks to draw a true picture of the lower middle class in a European city, ought it to be impossible for the American public legally to see that picture?..."
Humorously, when Joyce heard of Woolsey's decision, he had this to say: "Thus one half of the English speaking world surrenders. The other half will follow … And Ireland 1,000 years hence."
Not bitter. Not bitter at all.
