100
Banned Books
Censorship
Histories of World Literature
by Nicholas J. Karolides, et al
Dare To Think for Yourself!
Dare to Think For Yourself Dedicated to the unpopular constitution
principles of free speech and a free press, this fascinating anthology
details the enormous efforts to prevent 100 controversial books from
finding readers. Each book receives a quick plot summary, plus excerpts,
so readers can receive a solid overview of important works in Western
culture. For me, it was like a seminar in great literary works I wanted
to read, but have never found the time to encounter. Fascinating and
valuable.
Yet I found the detailed chronicles of censorship efforts - along
with the censor's subtle arguments and elaborate justifications -
far more educational. Why would someone want to censor love stories
(Dr. Zhivago, An American Tragedy, Women in Love, The Scarlet Letter)?
How could great religious works, from the Bible and the Talmud to
the Koran and the Kama Sutra be targeted for the flames? How did Mark
Twain, John Steinbeck, Anne Frank, James Baldwin, Aldous Huxley, Harper
Lee, Ray Bradbury, Stephen King and Walt Whitman "earn"
the wrath of censors?
Read
this book and discover the zeal to control thoughts and limit freedom.
Thomas Jefferson, our philosopher of freedom, wrote, "the price
of liberty is eternal vigilance." This book names the names of
censors, identifies dangerous trends, remembers the popularity of
censors, and celebrates the struggle of free spirits to live as free
thinking individuals. "Banned Books" proves telling the
truth and creating great stories can be dangerous to your health and
reputation. Voltaire's advice, "dare to think for yourself"
often carries a heavy social price.
Every library, and school library, should have this vital work on
their shelves. Just in case.
Plus 100 Banned Books makes an ideal gift for high school and college
graduates preparing to live as adults. I consider 100 Banned Books
to be one of the best books my Dad has ever bought for me!
Back
to top
