Welcome back to The Deep Dive where we surprise and intrigue you with a brand-new timely topic explored every Tuesday.
This week we’re diving into the world of banned books, which have drastically increased in recent years. Read on for what’s on the list and what it means to ban books...and to challenge it.
Not interested in this week’s topic? Keep scrolling for some other off-topic cool stuff. Stay curious!
Yours in media,
Elizabeth He, Visual Communications Editor
This is a web edition of GBH's The Deep Dive, a weekly newsletter bringing you the best GBH has to offer.
Banned Books
Looking for a New Read? Try One of These Frequently Banned Books (articles)
Here’s a collection of banned books for readers of all ages. Find out which ones are on the list.
Check out more about banned books from the Unbound Pages series from Under the Radar with Callie Crossley.
Learn more about this series in a behind the scenes interview with Callie Crossley and producers.
Adaptations of Controversial Books
MASTERPIECE: Les Misérables (series)
Victor Hugo’s masterpiece comes to television in a six-part adaptation. Do you hear the people sing?
Rebecca (series)
The late mistress of Manderley, Rebecca, casts her irresistible spell from beyond the grave in this adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s haunting novel. Uncover the darkness.
Wide Sargasso Sea (series)
Set in lush 19th century Jamaica, this prequel to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre paints a different story of Mr. Rochester’s first wife. What happens before?
MASTERPIECE: Tom Jones (series)
Two lovers follow their hearts in a new adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel. Follow their journey to love.
History of Banned Books
The Fiery History of Banned Books (14 min video)
Let’s explore how the seemingly innocuous book has survived centuries of the ban hammer. Take a look back.
When H.L. Mencken Refused to Be “Banned in Boston” (article & 4 min audio)
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “Banned in Boston” tossed about lightheartedly. Learn how the phrase came to be in the early 20th century.
What Librarians Say
“That Librarian” Amanda Jones (17 min video)
After librarian Amanda Jones spoke at a local public library board meeting to express her concerns about censorship in her small town of Livingston, she faced an organized campaign of harassment from groups with a mission to ban certain books in public and school libraries. She shares her story on how she fought back.
Former Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden (33 sec clip)
In an interview with GBH News Rooted, Hayden spoke about the country and the library’s future. What is the future of books?
Off Topic
- Stephen Colbert, Chance the Rapper, Jon Batiste, and Ziggy Marley perform the Arthur theme song. (2 min clip)
- Walid Zairi’s original tune for oud, accordion, and percussion was the grand finale of his JazzNOW performance. (4 min clip)
- ANTIQUES ROADSHOW lets Gen Z write the marketing script. (47 sec clip)
