Curated by ChatGPT

100 Banned Books is a collaboration between First-Editions.Co® and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. It is a response to an increasingly hostile landscape for a free press in the post-pandemic age, and a statement of solidarity for those reporting the truths of our time.

1. 1984

1984 by George Orwell is a provocative and thought-provoking dystopian novel that delves into themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. Set in a nightmarish future where the government wields absolute power, the book explores the impact of oppressive regimes on individual freedom and privacy.

With its challenging content and mature themes, 1984 remains a powerful and controversial read, offering a critical reflection on political and ideological control. Ideal for readers seeking a deep and unsettling examination of the consequences of unchecked authority.

In 2005, Time Magazine selected the book as one of the 100 best English-language works published between 1923 and 2005, and the Modern Library named it one of the best works published in the twentieth century.

2. 120 Days of Sodom

120 Days of Sodom by Marquis de Sade is a controversial novel set in a remote castle where four wealthy libertines imprison and brutally exploit a group of captives over 120 days. The novel, divided into four escalating parts, depicts increasingly grotesque acts of sexual violence and torture, pushing the boundaries of cruelty.

It serves as a radical critique of power, authority, and moral corruption, with the libertines representing the depravity of society’s elite. Banned for its graphic content and disturbing themes, it remains one of the most provocative and unsettling works in literary history.

The book is not only a shocking exploration of human depravity but also a fascinating historical artifact. The manuscript was believed lost for over a century after the French Revolution, only to be rediscovered in 1904, hidden in a scroll that had been smuggled out of the Bastille. This dramatic backstory adds an air of mystery and intrigue to the novel, making it a must-read for those interested in literature that has both scandalized and fascinated readers for generations.

A Clockwork Orange is a dark, dystopian novel set in a near-future society where juvenile delinquency runs rampant. The story follows Alex, a teenage sociopath who revels in violence, crime, and classical music. After being caught by the authorities, Alex is subjected to an experimental rehabilitation treatment designed to condition him against his violent impulses, raising ethical questions about free will and state control.

A Clockwork Orange has been banned and challenged in various places primarily due to its explicit depiction of violence, sexual content, and strong language. The novel’s portrayal of brutality and its anti-authoritarian themes were considered disturbing and inappropriate for certain audiences. The book’s candid exploration of moral and philosophical issues, particularly the nature of free will, has also contributed to its controversial status.

4. A Farewell to Arms

A Farewell to Arms has faced censorship and bans, primarily due to its candid depictions of war, violence, and sexual content. The novel’s realistic portrayal of the horrors of war and its stark depiction of the futility of conflict led to it being banned in several countries, including Italy, where it was seen as undermining national morale. Additionally, some American schools and libraries have challenged the book due to its explicit language and themes of desertion and cowardice.

5. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through The Looking Glass

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, published in 1865, is a whimsical story that follows a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world filled with peculiar creatures and absurd situations. The novel is celebrated for its playful use of logic, language, and imaginative storytelling. Its nonsensical elements challenge readers’ perceptions of reality and have sparked endless interpretations, from political allegory to critiques of Victorian society.

In 1900, a school in the United States banned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from its curriculum, citing concerns that the book contained inappropriate language and references to masturbation and other sexual fantasies. They argued that it could undermine children’s perceptions of authority figures. Fast forward to the 1960s, shortly after Disney’s animated adaptation was released in 1951, the book again sparked controversy among American parents. They believed that both the original text and the film promoted the emerging drug culture of the era due to their perceived references to hallucinogenic drug use.

6. A People’s History of the United States

A People’s History of the United States presents American history from the perspective of marginalized and oppressed groups, including Native Americans, African Americans, women, and the working class. Unlike traditional histories that often focus on the achievements of prominent figures, Zinn’s book emphasizes the struggles and contributions of ordinary people.

Covering events from the arrival of Columbus to modern times, the book critiques the narratives that have dominated U.S. history, highlighting issues such as slavery, racism, economic exploitation, and imperialism. Zinn’s work aims to challenge readers to think critically about the past and its impact on the present.

A People’s History of the United States has been banned and challenged in various schools and libraries due to its controversial portrayal of American history. Critics argue that the book presents a biased and overly negative view of the United States, focusing too much on the nation’s failures and injustices while downplaying its achievements. 

Some educational institutions have deemed the book too politically charged, fearing it could encourage dissent or undermine patriotic sentiments. Additionally, its critical stance on issues like capitalism, war, and government policies has made it a target for those who believe it promotes a one-sided, radical perspective.

7. A Separate Peace

A Separate Peace is set during World War II at Devon, an elite boarding school. The story follows the friendship between two boys, Gene Forrester and Phineas (Finny). Gene, an academically focused and introspective student, harbors envy towards the charismatic and athletic Finny. This jealousy culminates in a tragic accident that changes their lives and tests the limits of their friendship.

A Separate Peace has been banned for its exploration of mature themes like jealousy, identity, and the darker aspects of human nature. The novel’s portrayal of violence and the intense, sometimes ambiguous relationships between the boys also led to controversy, with some communities finding it inappropriate for younger readers. These elements sparked challenges, leading to its removal from some schools.

American Psycho follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and successful investment banker in 1980s Manhattan. Beneath his polished exterior, Bateman is a violent psychopath who indulges in brutal and sadistic murders. The novel delves into Bateman’s descent into madness, providing a chilling commentary on the superficiality and moral decay of yuppie culture. Through Bateman’s increasingly unhinged and unreliable narration, the reader is exposed to the horrors lurking behind the façade of a seemingly perfect life.

American Psycho has been banned and censored in various countries and communities due to its explicit content, which includes graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault, and torture. The novel’s portrayal of extreme brutality and its dark, satirical take on consumerism and materialism were deemed disturbing and offensive by many readers and critics. Concerns about the book’s potential to inspire violence, along with its perceived misogyny, led to widespread controversy. As a result, American Psycho faced challenges and was restricted or outright banned in several regions, including Australia and Canada, and remains controversial to this day.

Animal Farm is a political allegory that tells the story of a group of farm animals who overthrow their human owner in hopes of creating an equal society. However, as the pigs seize control, the farm’s ideals of equality are corrupted, leading to a dictatorship that mirrors the tyranny they sought to escape. The novel is a critique of totalitarianism and a satirical reflection on the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the early Soviet Union.

Animal Farm has been banned and censored in various countries due to its critique of totalitarian regimes and its allegorical representation of communism. The book was seen as subversive, particularly in countries with communist governments, where its portrayal of the corruption of socialist ideals was considered dangerous. In the United States and the United Kingdom, it faced challenges in schools for its political content, with some viewing it as anti-government or inappropriate for young readers. These elements made Animal Farm a target for censorship, especially during the Cold War era.