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 […]
Khaled Khalifa: books to celebrate Syria’s literary titan
Khaled Khalifa (خالد خليفة) was a distinguished Syrian novelist, screenwriter, and poet who etched an indelible mark on the global literary landscape with his books. With a career decorated with literary accolades, international renown, and an unwavering commitment to portraying the human experience amid the tumultuous backdrop of his homeland, Khalifa’s passing on 30th September […]
Africa Writes: Claudia Rankine among writers at heritage event
The Royal African Society‘s annual celebration of contemporary African and diaspora literature, Africa Writes, recently explored the theme of “Intangible Heritage” at the British Library. This vibrant literary festival, the largest of its kind in the UK, is a deep meditation on the unspoken elements of culture that shape our narratives and identities. Poets Kwame […]
Rory Cellan-Jones calls Amazon AI-generated bio ‘utter tosh’
A growing number of authors are discovering that their hard-earned literary works are being replicated by artificial intelligence (AI) and sold on the world’s largest e-commerce platform, Amazon. Writer and journalist Rory Cellan-Jones recently had an unnerving experience when he stumbled upon a memoir on Amazon, a memoir he had co-authored, complete with a cover […]