University of Wyoming
Ralph Ginzburg (1929-2006) was a journalist, publisher, and editor who began his career at the "Washington Times-Herald", 1949-1951. He wrote free lance articles and also worked as an editor for "Esquire", 1956-1958; "Eros", 1962-1963; and "Fact" 1964. He was sued for libel by Barry Goldwater in 1964. In another case he was sentenced to five years in prison for obscenity, a sentence which he appealed up to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing First Amendment rights in 1965. He collected numerous letters from high profile persons like Alan Tate, Norman Mailer, and Melvin Belli by soliciting "self-obituaries". He published four books: "An Unhurried View of Erotica" (1956), "100 Years of Lynching" (1961), "Eros on Trial" (1964), and "Castrated: My Eight Months in Prison" (1973).
The collection consists of correspondence, 1953-1986, and extensive court documents of both the Goldwater suit and the fight between Ginzburg and the courts over his obscenity charge, affidavits, evidence, hearings, and other legal papers. Topical files are included as well as layouts for "Fact" magazine from 1964. Articles written by Ginzburg and copies of magazines and books are included.
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
There are no known other archival collections created by Ralph Ginzburg at the date of processing.
Partial finding aid available in repository.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
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