Salman Rushdie on W. H. Smith’s withdrawal of his novel

Title

Salman Rushdie on W. H. Smith’s withdrawal of his novel

Genre

Interview

TX Date

15 Feb 1989

Year of production

1989

Play audio

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Duration

00:02:55

Description

Author Salman Rushdie is interviewed on the decision of bookstore chain W. H. Smith to remove his new book, The Satanic Verses, from its shelves in Bradford due to protests by and threats from Muslim groups. Rushdie defends his book, discusses its sales, and claims W. H. Smith has given in to pressure from an interest group. He says it raises questions about freedom of expression. Female reporter not identified. Break in recording but no content lost.

Contributors

Salman Rushdie

Keywords

Books; Authors; Crime; Religion; Interethnic relations; Censorship; Freedom of expression; Novels; Islam; Bradford; West Yorkshire; Bookshops; Arson; Muslims; W. H. Smith; The Satanic Verses; Controversial literature

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