Gershon Legman

Gershon Legman (1917-1999) was an American cultural critic and folklorist, best known for his extensive research and writings on erotic literature, humor, and mythology. He was a controversial figure due to his outspoken views and his focus on taboo subjects.

Legman was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was largely self-educated and developed a vast knowledge of literature and folklore. He worked as a bookseller and bibliographer for much of his life.

Legman is perhaps best known for his two-volume study, Rationale of the Dirty Joke: An Analysis of Sexual Humor, published in 1968 and 1975. This work offered a detailed analysis of jokes as a form of social commentary and psychological expression. He also wrote extensively on the history and significance of pornography, arguing against censorship.

Other notable works by Legman include Love and Death (1949), a study of love and sexuality in literature, and The Horn Book: Studies in Erotic Folklore and Bibliography (1964).

Legman's work was often criticized for its provocative content and his unconventional approach to scholarship. However, he is also recognized for his pioneering contributions to the study of folklore and sexuality. He challenged prevailing social norms and encouraged a more open and critical examination of human behavior.

He spent much of his later life in France, where he continued his research and writing until his death. Legman's extensive collection of books and materials on folklore and sexuality is now held by several libraries and archives.