Under the Counter is now available!
Under the Counter: Britain’s Trade in Hardcore Pornographic 8mm Films
By Oliver Carter
Prior to 2000, it was a criminal offence to sell hardcore pornography in Britain. Despite this, there was a thriving alternative economy producing and distributing such material ‘under the counter’ of Soho’s bookshops and via mail-order. Under the Counter is the first book of its kind to investigate Britain’s trade in illicit pornographic 8mm film. Drawing on extensive archival research, including the use of legal records,
police files, media reportage, and interviews with those who were involved in the business, Under the Counter tells the story of Britain’s trade in 8mm hardcore pornographic films and its regulation, incorporating ideas from cultural studies, political economy, history and criminology.
The book will be of particular relevance to students and researchers interested in the study of pornography, sexual cultures, illicit media enterprise and entrepreneurship, but also those with an interest in film production and distribution, particularly within a British context. The theoretical frameworks that underpin the book mean that researchers with an interest in the creative industries will be able to make use of it and the book makes a contribution to media and cultural history.
Part of the BCMCR New Directions in Media and Cultural Research series.
