About the Book:
“Where they have burned books, they will end in burning human beings,” declared German poet Heinrich Heine. This book identifies the regime-sponsored, ideologically driven, and systemic destruction of books and libraries in the 20th century that often served as a prelude or accompaniment to the massive human tragedies that have characterized a most violent century. Using case studies of libricide committed by Nazis, Serbs in Bosnia, Iraqis in Kuwait, Maoists during the Cultural Revolution in China, and Chinese Communists in Tibet, Knuth argues that the destruction of books and libraries by authoritarian regimes was sparked by the same impulses toward negation that provoked acts of genocide or ethnocide. Readers will learn why some people–even those not subject to authoritarian regimes–consider the destruction of books a positive process. Knuth promotes understanding of the reasons behind extremism and patterns of cultural terrorism, and concludes that what is at stake with libricide is nothing less than the preservation and continuation of the common cultural heritage of the world. Anyone committed to freedom of expression and humanistic values will embrace this passionate and valuable book.

Book Review: ★★★★★★
This is a great book, for those interested in the subject of censorship. It explores the concept of “libricide,” the destruction of libraries during the 20th century. In addition, it also uses specific examples to expand this theme, and demonstrate how far reaching and insidious this practice can be: Nazi, Germany; Iraq; Yugoslovia; China; and Tibet, all of these countries have book burning in their history — and they are not alone. It also explores the interrelationship between genocide, ethnocide, and libricide. This book is written in easy to understand language, and is very well documented. It also explores the ramifications of the loss of books, and the impact this loss has on the societies in which it happens. This is a great book, for those interested in the subject of censorship.

While this is not a subject that is new to the world, and the concept of censorship dates back to the inquisition, it is taking on new meanings in our modern world. Historically, censorship was a means of suppressing ideas that were contrary to the commonly held religious, or governing bodies. And it was an effective tool, since there were only a finite number of copies of any specific book. Those were usually in fragile manuscript form, and once they were destroyed — there was no way to recreate or save those works — and the ideas they supported.

In the twentieth century, censorship has almost become synonymous with racial suppression, and the acts of genocide. It is a means of seeking to destroy not only a race, but its educational, and practical contributions to a society as a whole. Which is why we always like to think “it could never happen here.” However, this is a slippery slope, in that there is censorship that goes on every day, in every country in the world. This book is a fascinating look at how these ideas have merged into one horrific whole — designed to be a means of transmitting hate, contempt, and racial discord in the world today. It also looks at the dangers of trying to control individuals through the process of controlling the access they have to learning, and information.

This book is written in easy to understand language, and is very well documented. It also explores the ramifications of the loss of books, and libraries, and the decline of literacy in these countries. Very concise in its presentation, this book is a great resource, as well as a very interesting read. Highly recommended.

For more information about this book, and its author be sure to visit the following websites:

History News Network Article

The Korea Times Article

Law Librarian Blog Book Review

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