This online exhibition presents a selection of documents from the records of the Committee on Evil Literature, a body established by the Minister for Justice, Kevin O’Higgins, in February 1926 to consider whether the Irish Free State required stronger powers to restrict printed material deemed obscene, immoral, or socially harmful. Over the course of that year, the Committee heard evidence from individuals, religious organisations, civic groups, and State bodies, and its final report laid the foundations for Ireland’s censorship regime for decades to come.
The items on display have been chosen by Transition Year students, Isobel Scott, Siena Stokes and Daniel Noonan who explored the collection and selected documents that they found particularly interesting, surprising, or revealing. Their captions reflect their own responses to the material, what caught their attention, what puzzled them, and what they felt illuminated the social attitudes of the time.
Member of the committee.
List of the names of the members of the Committee of Evil Literature, their titles and addresses.
Department of Justice, JUS/7/1/1
A letter to working mothers.
This pamphlet was written by Dr. Marie Stopes, published in 1925. It tells women that not wanting (more) children is okay and normal. This was an extremely controversial opinion at this time. Marie gives important advice and reasonings for this opinion. She guides the reader through contraception. Allowing women to feel safe with their opinions.
Department of Justice, JUS 7/2/9
Burning of a blasphemous publication, February 5, 1925.
An article from the Irish newspaper ‘Our Boys’ on a blasphemous Christmas carol that was published in a London publication. This was sent to the Editor of ‘Our Boys’, who sent messengers to buy the remaining unsold blasphemous publication and burn it. This was to stop the “corruption” of the Irish children from “devilish literature”.
Department of Justice, Jus 7/2/7
Convictions under older acts.
This document shows what some people were being prosecuted for under the Obscene Publications Act 1857, the Indecent Advertisement Act 1889, the Dublin Police Act 1842 and the Towns Improvement (Irl.) Act 1854.
Department of Justice, JUS/7/2/11
A practical treatise on birth control.
This is a propaganda pamphlet, telling women not wanting children is “morally wrong”. It gives the reader an illusion of an informative piece on birth control, however it is quite the opposite. This pamphlet was published in 1926, showing the common opinion of being pro-natalist.
Department of Justice, JUS 7/2/9
List of some ‘Objectionable Papers and Periodicals’, 1926.
A list the Christian Brothers sent to the Committee of Evil Literature when asked if they could show physical or oral evidence of papers they believe should be banned.
Department of Justice, Jus 7/2/7
Dr. Gautier’s Famous Capsules, 1926.
A pamphlet full of information on the benefits of taking Dr. Gautier’s capsules. It is targeted at “Weak and Nervous Men”
Department of Justice, Jus 7/2/17