I, Libertine is a historical novel that began as a practical joke by late-night radio raconteur Jean Shepherd who aimed to lampoon the process of determining best-selling books. After generating substantial attention for a novel that did not actually exist, Shepherd approved a 1956 edition of the book written mainly by Theodore Sturgeon—which was later claimed to have become an actual best-seller, with all profits donated to charity.
Cover of first edition (paperback)
Jean Parker "Shep" Shepherd Jr. was an American storyteller, humorist, radio and TV personality, writer, and actor. With a career that spanned decades, Shepherd is known for the film A Christmas Story (1983), which he narrated and co-scripted, based on his own semiautobiographical stories.
Shepherd circa 1969
Shepherd circa 1973
Jean Shepherd posed as Frederick R. Ewing on the back cover of Ballantine's I, Libertine (1956).