logo
 
Occidental College > LibrarySpecial Collections > Online Exhibits > Banned Books

The "Chandos" portrait
                of William Shakespeare, attributed to John Taylor, and
                part of National Portrait Gallery in London

Home

Banned Books Week FAQ

Censored Works of Shakespeare

Famous Quotes

Additional Resources

Links

Acknowledgements

Other Exhibits in Special Collections

 

Banned Books: Shakespeare Censored!

An online exhibition of the works of William Shakespeare that have been censored, challenged, and banned around the world.


William Shakespeare is arguably the most famous and respected author ever to write in the English language. His plays have been read by millions and watched, both on stage and on screen, by billions of people worldwide. Yet, his works have provoked censorship ever since their writing--even before their first performances on stage. But why? The reasons for censorship are nearly as varied as the works themselves. However, unlike Shakespeare's works, the reasons for their censorship have changed significantly over time.

In honor of the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week (September 29 - October 6, 2007), the Occidental College Library presents an exhibition discussing the most controversial works by one of the greatest writers of all time.

This online exhibition will attempt to explain the purpose of Banned Books Week, the past and current attempts to censor William Shakespeare's canon of work, and present resources to learn more about banned books and the restriction of intellectual freedom.

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read.

 

.

 

" Art made tongue-tied by authority."

- William Shakespeare, Sonnet 66




Page last edited by on 03/04/2013.
Occidental College Library Special Collections & College Archives
© 2011 Occidental College