Description:1955 update of 1935 original. Preface by Morris L. Ernst.
Haight writes:
This book is based on my first edition of Banned Books published in 1935, which in turn was based on an exhibition held that same year at the Junior League of the City of New York. This chronological list of books banned from 387 b.c. to 1954 has been compiled with the idea of showing the trend of censorship throughout the years and the change in thought and taste.
Most of the books fall under a ban because of religion, politics or morality, making the offense one of heresy, treason or obscenity.
Among them are books which have withstood the condemnation of their times to become the classics of today, as well as many others which have suffered trials and tribulations. There has been no attempt to be all inclusive; I have merely tried to give an outline which I hope may serve as a suggestion to those who may wish to pursue the subject further, for the writings and actions of men have been censored and suppressed since Eve was forbidden to eat the apple, and I suppose they always will be.
The wartime censorship in the United States which functioned from 1942 to 1945 concerned the press more than it did books as its aim was to prevent the publication of news which might aid the enemy, but some books have been listed here which were under fire for subversive reasons or because their authors were accused of having subversive opinions.