I, Libertine was the result of a practical joke by author and late-night radio host Jean Shepherd. Shepherd, having discussed the imaginary novel and its author on his radio show, urged his listeners to go into bookstores and ask for it; 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's couch, having written most of the novel under deadline in one marathon typing session. The book was released simultaneously in hardcover and paperback editions, on or about September 13th, 1956, with cover art by Kelly Freas, and Shepherd mugging for the author's portrait on the back. Text accompanying the photo read:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
"I, LIBERTINE, first volume in a projected trilogy, is the initial major work of F. R. Ewing. Mr. Ewing, an Oxford graduate, was known prior to World War II for his many scholarly contributions to British publication and for his well-remembered series of broadcasts for the B.B.C. on "Erotica of the 18th Century". During the war Mr. Ewing served with the Royal Navy and was retired in 1948 with the rank of Commander. He saw much action with the North Atlantic Fleet, serving aboard several minesweepers. He resumed his career as a civil servant, and while stationed in Rhodesia, Ewing completed work on I, LIBERTINE.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Against the rich mosaic of 18th Century London court life is etched the meteoric rise of Lance Courtenay—moral adventurer, first of his breed. To the three women in his life he was three different men and to the world at large...an enigma. The seldom-discussed delicate theme and final startling decision of Lance Courtenay have already given rise to great moral controversy. But each reader must draw his own conclusions. Greeted by unprecedented acclaim by the English press, I, LIBERTINE is a novel which American readers will no doubt agree is destined to leave its mark in English letters."
The Wall Street Journal officially "exposed" the hoax, already an open secret, a few weeks later.
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