London –
Publisher Penguin Random House on Friday removed a “classic” after being criticized for cutting and rewriting Roald Dahl’s children’s novels to make them more suitable for modern readers. announced that it will publish a version that does not exist.
In addition to the new editions, the company says that 17 of Dahl’s books will be published in their original form later this year as “The Roald Dahl Classic Collection,” and that “readers will be free to choose their preferred version of Dahl’s story.” You can choose to
The move follows the company’s puffin children’s label, which has changed text related to weight, mental health, gender and race in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and other beloved classics. In response to criticism of the changes in the recent edition published below.
In “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” first published in 1964, Charlie’s gluttonous antagonist, Augustus Gruppe, became “incredibly fat” rather than “incredibly fat.” A supernatural woman disguised as a woman might be “running top scientists and businesses” instead of “typing letters to supermarket cashiers and businessmen.”
The Roald Dahl Story Company, which manages the book rights, worked with Puffin to review the text because “we want all children to enjoy Dahl’s wonderful stories and characters today.” said it was fixed.
Tweaking old books for modern sensibilities is not a new phenomenon in publishing, but the scale of editing has drawn strong criticism from free-speech groups such as authors’ association PEN America and authors such as Salman Rushdie. received.
Camilla, the Queen’s consort, appeared to offer her perspective at Thursday’s literary reception. May you remain true to your calling, unhindered by those who seek you.”
Along with mischievous children, strange beasts and often beastly adults, Dahl’s books have sold over 300 million copies and continue to be read by children around the world. Their multiple stage and screen adaptations include two “Willy Wonka” films based on “Matilda the Musical” and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” with a third in the works.
But Dahl, who died in 1990, is also a controversial figure for making anti-Semitic comments throughout his life.
In 2021, Dahl’s estate sold the rights to the book to Netflix, which plans to produce a new generation of films based on the story.
Francesca Dow, managing director of Penguin Random House Children’s, says publishers have “listened to the debate this past week and wondered how the extraordinary power of Roald Dahl’s books and stories from another era could be relatable.” It reaffirms the very real question of how we can keep it alive with each new generation.”
“The great books of Roald Dahl are often the first stories read independently by young children, and it is both a privilege and a responsibility to take care of young readers’ imaginations and rapidly developing minds. I have.
“We also recognize the importance of continuing to print Dahl’s classic texts,” said Dow. We give you the choice of how you experience these amazing stories.”
