Books and Manuscripts · Lot 46
Broby, R. Forsvarstale for Blod. Holdt i Københavns Byret 22-I-23.
(Copenhagen), D.N.S.S., 1923, 14,(2)p., orig. wr. des. (repeated on title-p.) by T. HANSEN.
- Lot
- 46
- Auction
- Auction 85, 23-27 Nov 2026
- Estimate
- €70 – €90
- Photos
- 1 photo
Condition
Sl. stained (first and last leaf somewhat worse). Frontwr. w. waterstain in lower margin; spine repaired.
Notes
Global Avantgarde Denmark 1. The defence speech that Ru Broby held in court in January 1923 against the banning of his work of poetry Blod (Blood), his debut of raw expressionist poems, with taboo subjects like prostitution, abortion and suicide. The book was confiscated and the author was charged with publishing obscene and indecent writing. During the chaotic trial, which was packed with unruly bohemian supporters, Broby fiercely defended his graphic verses as essential, socially critical art rather than obscene. While the unmoved judges ultimately convicted and fined him, effectively banning the book for decades, the censorship failed to erase Blod, instead cementing it as a legendary and unyielding monument of Danish modernism.
Written bids, and bids by telephone or email, should be in our possession before Sunday 22 November 2026, 8.00 pm. We cannot guarantee (proper) execution of bids received later.