UK
Roald Dahl classic texts to be kept in print after outrage over changes to books
Publisher Puffin has announced the release of the “Roald Dahl Classic Collection” “to keep the author’s classic text in print” – following criticism of his books being re-written.
The 17 titles will be available later this year and will include archive material relevant to each of the stories by the much-loved but controversial children’s author.
The classic collection will sit alongside the newly-released Dahl books for young readers, which have been rewritten to “cater for the sensitivities of modern audiences”.
Puffin sparked outrage after announcing Dahl’s books would be edited to remove or rewrite language deemed offensive.
Content including references to weight, mental health, violence, gender and race have been amended – in a move branded “absurd censorship” by author Sir Salman Rushdie.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the editing of Dahl’s books, quoting the Big Friendly Giant’s warning not to “gobblefunk” with words.
The Queen Consort appeared to give her opinion on the matter as she urged authors to be “true to their calling”, days after the row over the author’s books.
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Camilla made her first public appearance since recovering from COVID-19 on Thursday, when she re-launched her book project The Reading Room, changing it to a charity now named The Queen’s Reading Room.
She told guests including children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Booker prize winner Ben Okri: “Thank you, on behalf of book-lovers and book clubs everywhere, for sharing your talents with us and for everything you do to promote literacy and a love of literature.
“Please keep doing so and 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.”
‘Deeply moved by the strength of feeling’
The Roald Dahl Story Company, which controls the rights to the books, said it had worked with Puffin to review and revise the texts.
“The last few days have demonstrated just how important Roald Dahl’s stories are to fans all around the world and we’ve been deeply moved by the strength of feeling.
“The most important thing to us is that the stories continue to be enjoyed by all.”
The plan to print two editions of the book will “give readers – whether seven or 77 – the choice to explore the stories in whichever way they wish”, the company added.
‘We’ve listened to the debate’
Managing director of Penguin Random House Children’s, Francesca Dow, said: “We’ve listened to the debate over the past week which has reaffirmed the extraordinary power of Roald Dahl’s books and the very real questions around how stories from another era can be kept relevant for each new generation.
“As a children’s publisher, our role is to share the magic of stories with children with the greatest thought and care.
“Roald Dahl’s fantastic books are often the first stories young children will read independently, and taking care for the imaginations and fast-developing minds of young readers is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“We also recognise the importance of keeping Dahl’s classic texts in print.”
Dahl seen with his wife, actress Patricia Neal and their children Tessa, Theo and Ophelia in 1965 Pic: AP
“By making both Puffin and Penguin versions available, we are offering readers the choice to decide how they experience Roald Dahl’s magical, marvellous stories,” Ms Dow added.
“Roald Dahl once said: ‘If my books can help children become readers, then I feel I have accomplished something important’.
“At Puffin, we’ll keep pursuing that ambition for as long as we make books.”
More than 300 million copies of Dahl’s books have been sold with multiple stage and screen adaptations based on titles including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Twits.
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