Richard Garnett as censor

Abstract

DURING the 1890s the Department of Printed Books at the British Museum was beset by problems of censorship, most of them arising from complaints of libellous statements in library materials, and one of them actually resulting in litigation. The mere thought of being taken to court distressed the officers of the Museum, who deplored alike any unfavourable publicity for the institution or any hint of dereliction of duty on their own part.