Definition

Proper noun: * Anthony Comstock: A United States social reformer and activist, primarily active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who led prominent and influential campaigns against materials and activities he deemed obscene or immoral, particularly targeting art, literature, birth control information, and gambling.

Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The censorship laws were heavily influenced by the efforts of Anthony Comstock.
  • Historians often discuss Anthony Comstock in the context of Victorian-era morality in America.

Advanced Usage

• "Comstockery": A term derived from his name, meaning excessive opposition to or censorship of materials considered obscene, often on moralistic grounds.
  • The author accused the critics of pure Comstockery, arguing they were more interested in suppression than literary merit.

Variants and Related Words

• Comstock Law (n): The common name for the federal act of 1873, formally titled "An Act for the Suppression of Trade in, and Circulation of, Obscene Literature and Articles of Immoral Use," which Comstock championed and was appointed to enforce.
  • The Comstock Law made it illegal to send "obscene" materials, including information about contraception, through the U.S. mail.

Synonyms

• Moral reformer
• Censorship advocate
• Vice crusader

Related Phrases

• Comstock's crusade: Refers specifically to his prolonged and vigorous campaign against vice.
  • During Comstock's crusade, he famously targeted the works of authors like George Bernard Shaw.

Noun

1. United States reformer who led moral crusades against art and literature that he considered obscene (1844-1915)