If you’re a reader – and I bet you are, if you landed on this site – then it’s likely you know a bit about book bans.
Today, banned books may seem like a thing of the past, but this type of censorship still exists around the world. Book bans are often driven by cultural, religious or political reasons – which we’ll get into below.
If you’re interested in knowing more about how the practice of banning books first started, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out more about the history and current state of literary bans, as well as some notable banned books.
History of book banning
Let’s go back to the beginning. In 213 BC, Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered the burning of books to control the narrative of history. It’s one of the first book ban events in history we know of.
Jump forward to the Renaissance, in the 16th century, the Roman Catholic Church established the Index of Forbidden Books that identified books and authors considered heretical. Essentially, they banned any books they thought went against Christian values. This list stuck around for a long time, all the way until the 20th century.
In the UK, the Obscene Publications Act of 1857 brought about a censorship of books, with works deemed “obscene” being banned from public use. However, the definition of “obscene” was said to be vague and subject to interpretation, leading to controversies and debates over censorship.
A similar thing happened in the US with the Comstock Law of 1873. This law treated “obscene literature” like it was poison. It wasn’t just about books, though – it also banned things like information on contraception. The goal was to stop the spread of anything considered lewd or inappropriate.
Understanding the book bans
Book bans. How do we get there exactly? You’d think that because literature was related to creativity and imagination and ingenuity, that freedom of speech was part of the parcel. But, books have been (and continue to be) removed from libraries, schools and bookshops when some people believe their content to be inappropriate or harmful. This can be due to reasons like political or religious concerns. Essentially, book bans result in the control of what people read, and ultimately, what they think. While some see it as a necessity that protects others from bad ideas, others argue that it restricts freedom and keeps important discussions from happening.
Banned books today
Books have been banned (and even burned) all over the world. But, as readers (and writers), it can be frustrating to think that censorship of books still exists today.
True enough, government bans don’t happen quite as much as they did in the past. But in the UK and the US, we’re still seeing schools remove texts from their library shelves for various reasons, like the harmful depiction of identity, politics and religion.
It begs the question, do book bans limit open dialogue and thoughtful discussions? Especially considering plenty of literature, of all shapes and flavours, challenges us to confront difficult topics and expand our understanding of the world.
Of course, there are many voices that celebrate freedom of speech, creativity and imagination. Let’s give a shout-out to the awesome reading community! These book lovers support authors and make sure all kinds of books get into the hands of readers everywhere.
Now, check out some of the great books that have been banned over the years below.
8 banned books from around the world
1
Lolita
By Vladimir Nabokov
The novel’s exploration of a middle-aged literature professor’s infatuation with a 12-year-old girl invited bans, and it was even subject to US obscenity trials in 1955. The text’s power lies in its artful play with language and an unreliable narrator, making it a must-read.
2
The Catcher in the Rye
By J.D. Salinger
Holden Caulfield, the main character in Salinger’s novel, openly hates a lot about the adult world, which made him a symbol of rebellion in the 1960s. The book talks about sexuality, drug use, and defiance, leading to it being banned from many schools in the US.
3
A Clockwork Orange
By Anthony Burgess
A young troublemaker in a future society undergoes a controversial treatment that takes away his ability to choose freely. The book dives into ideas about right and wrong, and what makes someone evil. It got banned in places because of its strong language, violent scenes, and its controversial take on youth behavior and whether we can control people’s actions.
4
Animal Farm
By George Orwell
The novel, first published in 1945, portrays a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer to establish their own society that eventually is corrupted by a pig dictatorship. The book was a critique of Stalinism and totalitarianism, and the Soviet Union banned it for its political connotations, seeing it as anti-Soviet.
5
Lady Chatterley’s Lover
By D.H. Lawrence
The novel follows Constance Reid who is married to the wealthy aristocrat Sir Clifford Chatterley, who’s paralysed. Feeling neglected, she starts a passionate affair with their gamekeeper. The story is about love, desire, and class differences, with some steamy scenes. It stirred up controversy and was banned for many years due to its explicit content and questions about societal norms.
6
The Well of Loneliness
By Radclyffe Hall
The story follows Stephen Gordon, who grows up realising she is attracted to other women. The novel explores her struggles with identity, love and societal acceptance in early 20th-century England. It’s a poignant portrayal of one woman’s journey to find herself in a society that doesn’t accept her feelings. The book faced censorship for its frank depiction of lesbianism, but it remains a significant work in LGBTQ+ literature.
7
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
By J.K. Rowling
On his 11th birthday, Harry Potter discovers he’s a wizard and is thrust into a world brimming with magic, adventure and unexpected dangers. The book faced challenges and book bans in some schools and communities around the world due to concerns about witchcraft and magic. Nevertheless, the books became one of the best-selling series of all time.
8
Satanic Verses
By Salman Rushdie
One of the most famous examples of a book causing global controversy, “The Satanic Verses” sparked intense debate in the Islamic world. Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a fatwa against Salman Rushdie, calling for his assassination. Amidst the uproar, the novel delves into themes of reality, spiritual fulfillment, identity, and religious conflicts.