Mongolian books face ban as part of China’s ‘cultural genocide’
In a troubling episode indicative of China’s strict censorship rules, the world was recently reminded of the country’s relentless efforts to suppress voices that diverge from the official party line. Mongolian literature, long treasured for its rich cultural heritage, has become the latest casualty in Beijing’s campaign to assert control over ethnic Mongolians’ identity. Chinese […]
Baillie Gifford Prize 2023: 6 outstanding books on shortlist
In a thrilling moment for literature enthusiasts worldwide, the coveted Baillie Gifford Prize has unveiled its 2023 shortlist. These six remarkable books are now poised to compete for the prestigious literary honour, as announced by the chair of judges, Frederick Studemann, during a live event at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. The 2023 Baillie Gifford Prize […]
Henley Literary Festival 2023: traumatic memories and future success
The 2023 Henley Literary Festival returned with a flourish from September 30 to October 8, offering a treasure trove of 130 talks, performances, and conversations for both adults and children. This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of speakers, with many events available for both in-person and online audiences. Renowned figures grace the Henley Literary […]
Banned Books Week: a catastrophic threat to intellectual freedom
In a world devoid of imagination, creativity, and a diversity of ideas, envision a society where certain books are deemed unfit for consumption. Such a bleak scenario is the essence of book banning and censorship, a practice that poses a significant threat to the freedom to read and the preservation of intellectual freedom. Banned Books […]
My Shadow is Purple author Scott Stuart on book bans extremism
In a world where diversity and representation are valued more than ever, stories that empower and embrace differences have become crucial. Scott Stuart, a father and author, has experienced both the triumphs and challenges of promoting inclusion through his children’s books. As we celebrate Banned Books Week, Stuart shared his journey with us at How […]
Nobel Literature Prize 2023: best books by winner Jon Fosse
The prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature for the year 2023 has found a worthy recipient in the form of Norwegian literary luminary, Jon Fosse. The Swedish Academy, in their commendation, celebrated Fosse’s contribution to the world of literature as a writer whose works embody the quintessential Nordic ethos. From the grand stage of the Nobel […]
Judy Blume and other bestselling authors unite to fight book bans
A group of bestselling authors has joined forces to support PEN America’s campaign in Florida to counter book bans and restrictions on educational materials. This unprecedented collaboration, led by acclaimed author Michael Connelly, aims to safeguard the freedom to read and learn in public classrooms across the state, and it comes at a time when […]
Dutch ‘Amazon’ Bol.com ‘flooded with AI-generated books’
Bol.com, one of the Netherlands’ leading online marketplaces, is currently inundated with a vast array of books created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), reveals recent research conducted by BNR. From comprehensive Bangkok travel guides to specialised sugar-free diet cookbooks, Bol.com’s digital shelves are teeming with AI-generated literary offerings. These titles, available in both […]
Nobel Literature Prize 2023: past winners as Can Xue in running for top spot
This week, the renowned Nobel Prize for Literature for 2023 will be awarded, annually recognising exceptional literary contributions. Although the winner’s reveal is set for October 5th, frontrunners like avant-garde Chinese author Can Xue have emerged. There are some familiar faces alongside the experimental writer, including stalwarts Margaret Atwood, Haruki Murakami, and Salman Rushdie. Who […]
Watermarking in books: can AI bypass filters?
With the proliferation of AI-generated content, the need to distinguish genuine books from AI-created fabrications has never been more pressing. Recent strides in generative AI models have prompted researchers to explore innovative techniques for identifying AI-generated images and texts, with watermarking emerging as a promising approach. However, a groundbreaking study led by computer science professor […]