Gender Queer is one of, if not the most banned book.
The news recently has been filled with stories about book bans. Some local residents don't want others to read what they don't like, and opportunist politicians jump on the bandwagon. Censorship is as old as free expression. However, as Newton's third law of motion teaches us, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Now, we are seeing opposing forces seeking to ban the book bans.
Minnesota recently passed a law designed to prohibit the practice of banning books. The legislation is headed, Access to Library Materials and Rights Protected. The legislators were not into writing detailed descriptions of the rights protected, stating succinctly “Book banning prohibited. A public library must not ban, remove, or otherwise restrict access to a book or other material based solely on its viewpoint or the messages, ideas, or opinions it conveys.” The remainder of the bill goes on to state that it applies to publicly supported libraries, and that residents can protest the use of books they find objectionable. What it does require is that review of banning requests follow a defined policy and the decisions be made by library professionals. The law also makes it clear that it does not interfere with the library's normal processes for removing books – shelf space, age, damage or obsolescence.
Governor Tim Walz posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, on signing the bill, reading: “Censorship has no place in our libraries. As a former teacher, I’m clear: We need to remember our history, not erase it.
“Today, I signed a bill into law putting an end to book bans based on ideology in Minnesota.”
Three other states have already passed ban-the-book-ban laws. Illinois led the way a year ago, followed by California a couple of months later, and Maryland two months ago. Several other states have similar laws on the docket but it is not clear whether they will be adopted.
Book banning laws or rules have mainly been promoted or enacted on a local level. However, efforts to ban books statewide have taken place in Florida and Idaho.
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Bissière, Roger. Cantique à notre frère soleil de saint François. 1954. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. La vie & l’œuvre de Philippe Ignace Semmelweis. 1924. Rare édition originale, avec envoi. Joint : La Quinine en thérapeutique, 1925. 4,000 - 6,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Céline, Louis-Ferdinand. Mort à crédit. 1936. Édition originale. Bel exemplaire sur Hollande. 2,500 - 3,500 EUR
Sotheby's Bibliothèque Jacques Dauchez - Autour de Dubuffet
5-19 June
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Chillida, Eduardo ─ Emil Cioran. Face aux instants. 1985. Un des 100 exemplaires sur Arches. Eau-forte signée. 600 - 800 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. Ler dla canpane. L’Art Brut, 1948. Édition originale. 3,000 - 5,000 EUR
Sotheby’s, June 5-19: Dubuffet, Jean. L'Herne Jean Dubuffet. 1973. Un des 100 exemplaires du tirage de luxe avec une sérigraphie originale en couleurs. 1,000 - 1,500 EUR
