Libricide
February 23, 2003
You may wish to add this book to your wishlist: Libracide - “Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings,” declared German poet Heinrich Heine. Libricide identifies the regime-sponsored, ideologically driven and systemic destruction of books and libraries in the twentieth century that often served as a prelude or accompaniment to the massive human tragedies that have characterized a most violent century. As Knuth argues, the destruction of books and libraries by authoritarian regimes was sparked by the same impulses toward negation that provoked acts of genocide or ethnocide. Through case studies of libricide committed by Nazis, Serbs in Bosnia, Iraqis in Kuwait, and Maoists during the Cultural Revolution in China, and Chinese Communists in Tibet, Knuth illustrates the dynamics of book destruction. Anyone committed to freedom of expression and humanistic values will embrace this passionate and valuable book.” Libricide is slated for release in June 2003.
Posted in Books
February 23rd, 2003 at 2:57 pm
Interesting post, Geoff. It reminded me of the first time I really thought about this phenomenon. A few years ago, my earnest sister-in-law invited us over for Remembrance Day to watch the video of Zubin Mehta conducting the Sarajevo Orchestra playing Mozart’s Requiem (http://www.dvdplanet.com/product_listing.asp?productid=5476&format=DVD) in the burned out shell of the Sarajevo National Library. Footage of the burning books fluttering down played against the sound of Mozart’s beautiful music. It was incredibly moving, and shocking too, as I realized what the burning of the library meant to the people of Sarajevo.
February 23rd, 2003 at 3:18 pm
Indeed, I can only imagine how powerful a moment that must have been. The destruction of a library, as a symbol of learning, and the birthplace of ideas, has to be one of the most tragic moments that a nation can go through. Not to wax philosophic, but I think even the most hardened of hearts has to step back to pause and consider the importance of such an event.
February 24th, 2003 at 12:43 am
Our Boston Public Library President Bernie Margolis has censored legitimately public information in the manner of book burners. Our cities public libraries clientele, personnel and public libraries unions labor relations collective bargaining advocates are stake holders. BPL President Bernie Margolis flout principles of intellectual freedom delaying, denying or deflecting enquiries for legitimately public reports, consultants studies and long range city public library planning materials with information of interest and information that would encourage greater public participation in the long range planning for our Boston Public Libraries.
February 24th, 2003 at 6:07 pm
I’m sorry to hear that BPL pays only lip service to intellectual freedom with seemingly less consideration for its own affairs. I’m a big supporter of public libraries and would hope that both the BPL board and all other stakeholders (including the citizens of Boston) would be given access to publicly-funded studies that shape the direction of library services and governance. I would be curious to know if BPL is alone in its actions to block information or whether this is common with many of the big city libraries. I can’t say that I have ever tried to access independant studies, reports or anything of that nature done for the library, but I can’t see them not releasing it in some kind of public form if requested. Interesting point. Thanks.
April 3rd, 2004 at 12:26 am
the painting of the ‘book burning’ a few posts below this post was done by me! Just thought i’d take credit where due. cheers on the postings below!
michael
www.michaelabraham.com