Histories of Countering Repression Periodically.

The article reviews two monographs that explore the history of censorship in the United States, particularly focusing on how authors and editors have navigated legal restrictions on obscenity. "Reading the Obscene: Transgressive Editors and the Class Politics of US Literature" by Jordan S. Carroll examines mid-20th century literary cultures, primarily through the lens of white male editors and their impact on publishing, while "Lesbian Porn Magazines and the Sex Wars: Reimagining Sex, Power, and Identity" by Elizabeth Groeneveld focuses on late 20th-century lesbian sex magazines and their responses to feminist debates about pornography. Both works highlight the ongoing relevance of these historical discussions in the context of contemporary censorship and LGBTQ+ rights. The review notes the authors' extensive archival research and their contributions to understanding the dynamics of print culture and editorial practices. [Extracted from the article]