prohibited books

Examines the history of book censorship, looks at book banning as it relates to the works of John Steinbeck, provides information about the life of the prize-winning American author, and analyzes several of his works in an attempt to understand why they aroused controversy. Includes discussion questions and a time line.

A brief biography of twentieth-century author, Madeleine L'Engle that discusses her life and career, as well as the controversy over her work that some claim endorses the occult.

Through a review of the history of banned books, the outcry by some over the Harry Potter books and the call for them to be banned is discussed through a review of this popular fantasy series and brief biography of its author.

Presents issues with opposing viewpoints about banned books.

Shows how the banning of books affects politics, social status, education, religion, and publishing.

Discusses the life of author Robert Cormier, his numerous works of literature, and the attempts by public schools and libraries to censor and ban his books.

Two boys, moved to the country for "re-education" as part of Mao's Cultural Revolution, find little to amuse them, but things change when they discover a stash of Western classics in Chinese translation and use the stories of Balzac to capture the attention of the beautiful daughter of the local tailor.

A product of ten years of research and support from leading American and European universities, A Universal History of the Destruction of Books traces a tragic story: the smashed tablets of ancient Sumer, the widespread looting of libraries in post-war Iraq, the leveling of the Library of Alexandria, book burnings by Crusaders and Nazis, and censorship against authors past and present. With diligence and grace, B?ez mounts a compelling investigation into the motives behind the destruction of books, reading man's violence against writing as a perverse anti-creation. His findings ultimately attest to the lasting power of books as the great human repository of knowledge and memory, fragile yet vital bulwarks against the intransigence and barbarity of every age.--From publisher description.

Presents summaries, censorship histories, and further reading lists for over one hundred books that have been legally banned or otherwise censored at some point in history on political grounds; and includes brief author biographies and a general bibliography.