We are delighted to announce that the University has secured the copy of D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover used by Mr. Justice Byrne, the presiding judge in the case of R v Penguin Books Ltd. in 1960, brought against Penguin Books under the Obscene Publications Act 1959.

You can learn more about the process of acquiring this exciting and historically important item, and reactions to its acquisition, through the University’s official press release.

Phillip Kent, Director of Library Services and University Librarian, added:

‘The most important outcome was that the annotated copy of the book will remain in the UK. It is an absolute bonus and privilege that Bristol has been selected as the home for this special text. Thanks for the enormous support within and outside the University and Library that has made this project successful.’

Hannah Lowery, the Library’s Archivist and Special Collections Manager, also welcomed the outcome:

'We are delighted that Judge Byrne's copy of 'Lady Chatterley' will be joining the papers of Penguin Books, Michael Rubinstein (Penguin's Lawyer), and the Penguin Archive as a whole.  Thank you to everyone who has taken part in making this happen'.

Katie McKeogh, Senior Development Manager with the Development and Alumni Relations Office, praised the effort to acquire the book:

‘The University has stepped up to the challenge of retaining this symbolic book within the UK. Fundraising is ongoing to reach the purchase price and ensure this very special book can be shared as a source of knowledge and inspiration with as wide an audience as possible.' For further information or to make a gift, please contact Katie McKeogh on +44 (0)117 39 41112 or by e-mail: Katie.McKeogh@bristol.ac.uk . Alternatively, you can donate online here.