6 classic books that were banned
Like with all forms of art, some classic literary works were not well-received at the time of their release – in fact, many were downright controversial. While we can perhaps understand the reasons behind banning a book for violence or hate speech, some of the we’re about to look at seem tame compared to what we see today.
1. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
One of the most historically significant texts of the past century, Anne Frank’s diary gave us such an honest glimpse into the life of the Jewish people during WWII it’s hard to believe anyone could find an argument against it. In Lebanon, however, the book is banned, because it shows Jews in a positive light. Schindler’s Ark and Sophie’s Choice are also banned there, for the same reason.
2. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Carroll’s 1865 children’s book is one of the most beloved of all time, but did you know it was banned in China in the 1930s? Governor Ho Chien of the Hunan province banned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1931 because it showed “animals and human beings on the same level”, something Ho Chien saw as “disastrous”.
3. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The classic 1939 novel was banned in many part of the US when it was published, but particularly in the state of California, where its residents complained that they were unfairly portrayed. It was burned extensively through the country for its depiction of the poor, as well.
4. Lady Chatterly’s Lover by D. H. Lawrence
Considered “obscene” by many, Lawrence’s 1928 book was banned in the US, UK and Australia and remained prohibited until the late 50s and early 60s. The Chinese Central Bureau also denied publication of the translated novel.
5. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
We can’t understand how this much-loved tale could be controversial in any way, but librarians and schoolmasters in the US banned the book in the ‘30s and again in the ‘50s. Why? They considered it “unwholesome” because of its portrayal of a strong, independent woman and “ungodly” beings like witches and flying monkeys.
6. 1984 by George Orwell
Today we look back on Orwell’s popular dystopian novel as an eerily accurate representation of the future, but 1984 was banned in the USSR. In 1950, Stalin believed it was a satire of his leadership, despite the book being labelled pro-Communist. It also has a place on the American Library Association’s list of most-challenged books.
What are your thoughts about censorship in art? Tell us your opinion in the comment section below.
Related links:
10 unique things to do with old books