Samuel Roth was an American writer and publisher known for his controversial works in the mid-20th century. He gained notoriety for his efforts to challenge obscenity laws, particularly through his publication of literary works that were deemed explicit. Roth's most famous work is the book "Literary Gossip," which included discussions about various authors and their writings. In addition to his literary contributions, Roth was involved in several legal battles regarding censorship and freedom of expression. His challenges to the U.S. legal system helped shape discussions around First Amendment rights and the limits of free speech in literature.