Former British PM Johnson Joins Outcry Over Censoring of Roald Dahl’s Books

Boris Johnson, a former British prime Minister, is the latest to disparage the rewriting some of Roald Dahl’s most popular books for children.

Johnson was critical of publisher Puffin’s rewriting Dahl stories. Johnson also recited a song from the Oompa Loopas while delivering a speech at the Global Soft Power Summit in London on Thursday. The Guardian.

Johnson expressed his gratitude. “irritation at wokeness and political correctness” For the modifications made to the books to remove offensive language by so-called sensitive readers.

According to the former PM, “people should be vigilant about freedom of speech” While insisting that nothing could ever stop him reciting Dahl’s original words, he said so.

His comments follow the announcement by Penguin Random House, owner of Puffin, last week that it would publish Dahl’s original novels after the public outcry about the alterations.

Current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also among the many other high-profile Britians—including  Camilla, Queen Consort, and authors Frederick Forsyth and Salman Rushdie—who have panned the changes.

“Roald Dahl was no angel but this is absurd censorship,” Rushdie said via Twitter. “Puffin Books and Dahl Estate should be ashamed.

Uncensored Versions

U.S.-based Penguin Random House announced on February 24 that Puffin would publish Dahl’s original uncensored version after public outcry.

Francesca Dow (Penguin Random House Children) stated that the publisher will release 17 Dahl’s titles later in the year under its Penguin logo, while keeping the original text.

“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,” Dow stated this in a statement.

Alternate Text

Puffin claimed that the censorship was not meant to offend 2022 copies of the books.

The following are examples of modifications: “enormously fat” Augustus Gloop “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Which has made it a reality. “enormous”Mrs. Twit was from “The Twits” This was no longer “ugly.”

The word “crazy” Also, it has been replaced with “furious” Or has been deleted outright. “mad,” While “policemen” is now replaced with “police officers,” Oompa Loompas, and Oompa Loompas, are no more “small men,” But “small people” reported UK newspaper The Telegraph.

The Telegraph reported that Dahl’s original stories had been subject to hundreds upon hundreds of changes.

The Telegraph viewed a note from Puffin at The Telegraph’s beginning of the new editions. It reads: “The wonderful words of Roald Dahl can transport you to different worlds and introduce you to the most marvelous characters. This book was written many years ago, and so we regularly review the language to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by all today.”

Parents who purchased the new editions shared screenshots via Twitter of the note. Puffin thanks Inclusive Minds. “introducing us to its network of inclusion ambassadors.”

Dahl’s stories often have adult villains who are difficult to overcome. Dahl’s humorous descriptions of adult antagonists like Miss Trunchbull are stinging. “Matilda,” They have been delighting young readers for many decades.

Puffin publishes Dahl’s works including “James and the Giant Peach” And “The Witches” In partnership with the Roald Dahl Stories Company

Dahl died at the age of 74 in 1990.

This report was contributed by Katabella and Reuters.