This book was banned in 1948 for obscenity and the author sentenced to a gaol term. In 1946 Close and “Georgian House Pty Ltd”, the publisher of the novel were prosecuted in the Supreme Court of Victoria for “obscene libel”.
During the first trial, the entire 90,000-word book was read to the jury by counsel for the prosecution twice: the first jury was discharged when the court was notified that the foreman of the jury had discussed the case with one of Close’s friends. Close was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of £100. This was later overturned on appeal; he served 10 days in prison and was fined £150.#0421