Author McCall Smith Opposes Censorship in Children's Literature

Alexander McCall Smith, the acclaimed Scottish author, has voiced his opposition to the recent trend of modifying classic children's literature. The 76-year-old writer, best known for his "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series, argues that young readers prefer the original, unaltered versions of beloved stories.

In a recent article for Scottish Field magazine, McCall Smith shared his experiences reading to his grandchildren, noting their preference for the unedited works of Enid Blyton. He observed that children are adept at detecting when passages are skipped or altered, whether due to time constraints or concerns about outdated content.

The author's comments come in the wake of recent controversies surrounding the revision of Roald Dahl's works. The Roald Dahl Story Company and Puffin Books conducted a review of Dahl's classics, resulting in modifications to content deemed offensive. However, following public backlash, Puffin announced it would continue publishing uncensored versions alongside the revised editions.

McCall Smith acknowledges the problematic aspects of Blyton's writing, which often reflects the attitudes of 1950s British society. He notes, "There is a lot to feel uncomfortable about in Enid Blyton. The children in the books are often unkind, embodying the unattractive attitudes of bourgeois Surrey, circa 1952."

Despite these issues, McCall Smith argues that children remain drawn to the original narratives. He suggests that young readers can see through attempts to sanitize content and appreciate the unvarnished storytelling of authors like Dahl and Blyton.

The debate over censorship in children's literature is not new. Since the 19th century, discussions about "sensitive revisions" have been ongoing. The term "bowdlerize," derived from Thomas Bowdler's 1818 expurgated Shakespeare works, continues to be relevant in these conversations.

McCall Smith's observations extend beyond literature to broader societal implications. He posits that children, despite modern parenting approaches, tend to maintain conservative viewpoints. This insight leads him to caution against lowering the voting age, suggesting that teenagers may not make the progressive choices some might expect.

The author's stance aligns with his prolific career, which includes over 100 books translated into 46 languages. His works, which have sold around 30 million copies worldwide, often explore complex social themes while maintaining broad appeal.

As the discussion around children's literature evolves, McCall Smith's perspective adds a valuable voice to the ongoing debate about preserving the integrity of classic works while addressing contemporary sensibilities.

"Children are quintessentially unreconstructed, which is why they still adore these hoary Secret Seven books. In fact, children, in spite of the best efforts of so many enlightened modern parents, remain doggedly socially conservative, not to say reactionary."

This debate underscores the enduring popularity of authors like Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton, whose books have sold over 200 million and 600 million copies respectively. As publishers navigate these complex issues, the ultimate goal remains to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from these timeless stories.