Banned Books Week has been held every year since 1982. It is a campaign encouraging readers to examine challenged literary works and to promote intellectual freedom in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Banned Books Week highlights the value of free and open access to information, in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas. The theme of this year's event is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.”

Immerse yourself in the stories behind the most shocking and infamous books ever published! Censorship of one form or another has existed almost as long as the written word, while definitions of what is deemed "acceptable" in published works have shifted over the centuries, and from culture to culture. Banned Books explores why some of the world's most important literary classics and seminal non-fiction titles were once deemed too controversial for the public to read - whether for challenging racial or sexual norms, satirizing public figures, or simply being deemed unfit for young readers. From the banning of All Quiet on the Western Front and the repeated suppression of On the Origin of the Species, to 1984, Fahrenheit 45, Catcher in the Rye and Huckleberry Fin, this must-have volume examines the astonishing role that some banned books have played in changing history. Packed with eye-opening insights into the history of the written word, and the political and social climate during the period of suppression or censorship, this is a must-read for anyone interested in literature; creative writing; politics; history or the law. Delve into this compelling collection of the world's most controversial books to discover: - A broad range of genres and subject areas in fiction and non-fiction, ranging from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland to Spycatcher - Offers informative insights into society, politics, law, and religious beliefs, in different countries around the world - Features images of first editions and specially commissioned illustrations of the books' authors - Includes extracts from the banned books along with key quotations about them - Completely global in scope A must-have volume for avid readers and literary scholars alike, alongside those with an interest in the law, politics and censorship, Banned Books profiles a selection of the most infamous, intriguing and controversial books ever written, whilst offering a unique perspective on the history of the written word, with insights into the often surprising reasons books have been banned throughout history and across the world. Whether as a gift or self-purchase, this brilliant book is a must-have addition to the library of curious thinkers, borrowers and lifelong learners. If you enjoy Banned Books, then why not try Great Loves - the first title in DK's quirky new hardback series, full of insightful and intriguing topics.

Banned Books

Are you a librarian, educator, parent, or creator being affected by book bans, or a concerned citizen looking to learn more and take action? Here are some resources from the \nPRH Banned Books Resources Hub\n that might help.\nResources for Educators\n\nCensorship Crisis Hotline\n\n\nNational Coalition Against Censorship\n\n\nNational Council of Teachers of English\n\n\nSchool Book Challenge Resource Center\n\n\nYouth Censorship Database\n\n\nWebinar: Protecting the #FReadom to Read\n\n\nResources for Librarians\n\nAddressing Challenges to Books by Problematic Authors FAQ\n\n\nCensorship Crisis Hotline\n\n\nCensorship Tips Hotline\n\n\nConfidential Challenge Support\n\n\nThe Freedom to Read Foundation\n\n\nIntellectual Freedom and Censorship FAQ\n\n\nIntellectual Freedom Consulting Services\n\n\nLeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund\n\n\nPractical Steps for Navigating Intellectual Freedom Challenges: Interviews with Tasslyn Magnusson and Ashley Hope Peréz – Intellectual Freedom Blog\n\n\nSchool Book Challenge Resource Center\n\n\nUnited for Libraries\n\n\nResources for Parents \n\nBanned Books Week Coalition\n\n\nReadBrightly.com\n\n\nSchool Book Challenge Resource Center\n\n\nNCAC’s Book Censorship Action Kit\n\n\nResources for Students\n\nA Teach-In For Students on Banned Books\n\n\nA Tip Sheet for Students on How to Fight Book Bans \n\n\nCensorship Crisis Hotline\n \n\nFIRE High School Network\n\n\nKids Right to Read Program\n\n\nSchool Book Challenge Resource Center\n\n\nYouth Censorship Database\n\n\nYouth Free Expression Program\n\n\nResources for Authors and Illustrators \n\nCensorship Crisis Hotline\n\n\nPEN International Publisher’s Circle\n\n\nTip Sheet for Authors of Banned Books\n\n

 Resources

\n\nWhile censorship of one form or another has always plagued society as the definitions of what is “acceptable” in published works have shifted over time and all over the world, book bans and challenges in the US have doubled between 2020 and 2021, according to the American Library Association.\nThis surge in challenged books is in line with an escalation in censorship that sees content focusing on race, sexuality, and gender identity put at risk in public schools and libraries. This is a terrifying development that removes access to these important works from anyone who can’t afford to purchase them, or anyone who struggles to find acceptance within their home and looks to books to find that acceptance. \nOut now is DK’s \n\nBanned Books\n\n, which delves into why some of the most famous books in history were once deemed too controversial for public consumption and profiles a selection of the most infamous, intriguing, and controversial books ever written. It is an exploration of the history of banned books, offering informative insights into society, politics, law, and religious beliefs through time and around the world.\nFrom the banning of \nAll Quiet on the Western Front\n and the repeated
suppression of \nOn the Origin of Species\n, to the uproar provoked by \nLady Chatterley’s Lover\n, entries offer a fascinating chronological account of censorship, and shed light on the astonishing role that some banned books have played in changing history. \nAs a company, Penguin Random House is committed to protecting free expression and the right to read. As a division of Penguin Random House, DK is proud to stand with the rest of the company and is also a proud partner of ALA’s Unite Against Book Bans.

DK’s 'Banned Books' Profiles the Most Controversial Texts Throughout History

US header

Articles

Sign up to a FREE DK Learning account to access recommended books, teaching resources, and more

Subscribe to the FREE DK Learning newsletter and be the first to know of important updates

Create a free account

Dorling Kindersley Limited. Registered Number GB 01177822, England. Registered Office: 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 2SA. `Dorling Kindersley`, `DK`, `Eyewitness` and the open book logo are trade marks of Dorling Kindersley Limited.

US footer

You need a DK Learning account to access this, sign up now for free.