Roald Dahl’s original books will kept in print, following editing backlash – National

Publisher Penguin Random House announced on Friday that it will publish a “classic”, non-erased version of Roald Dahl’s children’s novel.

In addition to the new editions, the company said 17 of Dahl’s books will be published in their original formats later this year. Roald Dahl Classic Collection As such, “readers are free to choose which version of Dahl’s story they prefer.”

The move comes after criticism that many changes have been made charlie and the chocolate factory Other much-loved classics in recent editions published under the company’s Puffin children’s label, with changes related to weight, mental health, gender, and race.

The Augustus Group, Charlie’s Gluttonous Antagonist charlie and the chocolate factory — first published in 1964 — became “fantastic” rather than “fantastic fat.”of witchthe “old woman” becomes an “old raven”, a supernatural woman disguised as an ordinary woman who “wants top scientists or businesses” instead of “typing letters to supermarket cashiers and businessmen.” It may be.

of Fantastic Mr. Foxthe word “black” was removed from the description of the “murderous and brutal-looking” tractor.

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.

Rushdie had been threatened with death by Iran’s Islamic regime for years after his novel was allegedly blasphemous. devil’s poemcalled the revision “ridiculous censorship”.

Rushdie, who was attacked and seriously injured at an event in New York state last year, tweeted news of Penguin’s change of heart on Friday, with the words, “After Roald Dahl’s backlash, Penguin Books is back!” served with

Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive of PEN America, wrote on Twitter:

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Lady Camilla, Queen of England, seems to have given her opinion at a literary reception on Thursday. I urge you to remain true to your mission, unhindered by people.”

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 Matilda the Musical and 2 willy wonka movies based on charlie and the chocolate factorya third is in progress.

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, said the publisher “has listened to the debate this past week and asked how it relates to the extraordinary power of Roald Dahl’s books and stories from another era.” It reaffirmed the very real question of how sexuality can be preserved, 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 keeping Dahl’s classic texts in print,” Dow said. We are giving our readers a choice in how they experience Roald Dahl’s magical and wonderful story.”

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