Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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1984
Customs seizure of LGBTQIA+ literature
A shipment of books from Philadelphia’s Giovanni’s Room was confiscated by HM Customs and Excise as allegedly indecent under provisions of the Customs Consolidation Act 1876. Housmans joined a broader radical-bookseller campaign opposing seizures and prosecutions affecting LGBT literature.
1978
Letter bomb sent to Peace News offices
A letter bomb received at the Peace News offices at Housmans’ address injured worker Stewart Porte. The attack was suspected of being linked to the neo-Nazi organisation Column 88 after an earlier threatening letter and similar attacks on left-wing organisations.
1974
Pillar-box bombing outside Housmans
An IRA bomb exploded in a pillar box outside the shop on 25 November 1974. No injuries were reported and the shop’s windows remained intact, although campaign material posted shortly before the blast was destroyed.