Camilla, the Queen Consort, has urged authors to resist curbs on freedom of expression in an apparent reflection on the backlash against changes to Roald Dahl’s books. Speaking at a Clarence House reception to mark the second anniversary of her online book club, Camilla told authors: “Please remain true to your calling, unimpeded by those who may wish to curb the freedom of your expression or impose limits on your imagination.”
Well, well, well...
Philip Pullman, author of His Dark Materials, suggested Dahl’s work should be allowed to fade away and be replaced by modern children’s writers.
Gosh, I wonder who exactly you had in mind, Phil ol' chum..?
Pullman said Dahl’s work would not disappear overnight from shelves in homes, school libraries and elsewhere. “What are you going to do about them? All these words are still there, are you going to round up all the books and cross them out with a big black pen?”
Let's ask Ray!
Let's not overlook the longer term benefits here, JuliaM.
ReplyDeleteA happier existence under public servants like WC Jaded & co, requires change. The surrender of Maverick thinking can't be any worse for those who have already quit smoking and drinking?
I have my “Equilibrium” stash of ‘banned’ original copies already (including all the classics, including a full set of hard-back Pratchett’s, pre-censure copies of the films and even pre-woke copies of text-books. I’d like to claim this was foresight and preparation but … in reality I have ‘some’ difficulty’ throwing things out. “Throw out a book? I’d first rather throw out my children!”).
ReplyDeleteI’ll be rich when civilisation returns (maybe even have a statue built in my honour).
I'm waiting (expecting) the likes of Pullman to take the next 'obvious' step and demand the burning of verboten books, secreted in 'unsupervised' homes and shops, soon. Be honest, it's only a matter of time.
"Let's not overlook the longer term benefits here, JuliaM."
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure that really fits the 'always look on the bright side' aspect..
"... including a full set of hard-back Pratchett’s..."
If they can come for Dahl, he can't be far behind.