I, Libertine

I, Libertine was the result of a practical joke by late-night radio raconteur Jean Shepherd. Shepherd, having discussed the imaginary novel and its author, Frederick R. Ewing, on his radio show, urged his listeners to go into bookstores and ask for the non-existent book. Soon not only was there a huge demand for the novel, but it had reportedly been banned in Boston. Ian Ballantine engaged Theodore Sturgeon to write a novel to match the rumor, from Shepherd's outline. Betty Ballantine is supposed to have written the final chapter after an exhausted Sturgeon fell asleep on the Ballantines' couch, having written most of the novel under deadline in one marathon typing session. The novel was released simultaneously in hardcover and paperback editions, on or about September 13 1956, with Shepherd seen as Ewing in the photo on the back. The front cover painting by Kelly Freas includes certain hidden images and inside jokes.

Related Topics:
Jean Shepherd - Ian Ballantine - Theodore Sturgeon - Betty Ballantine - September 13 - 1956 - Kelly Freas

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