In 1906, the trustees of the Charlton Public Library in Charlton, MA, voted to ban Eve's Diary. Eve's Diary is Mark Twain's interpretation of the story of Adam and Eve. Knowing what we do of Twain, you might assume that the book was banned for blasphemy. But it was not Twain's writing that earned the book it's ban. It was the book's illustrations, by Lester Ralph. Illustrations such as this one, from the book's title page -
This past Tuesday, thanks to the efforts of Richard Whitehead (as reported in the NY Times and elsewhere) the trustees voted to overturn the ban. Mr. Whitehead, a newly appointed trustee reading up on his responsibilities, came upon this ancient bit of library history. At his urging, the current board of trustees agreed that the good citizens of Charlton could survive exposure to the scandalous drawings. The ban was overturned. The book can now be found on the library's shelf. And it only took 105 years.
(Here's a link to the
NY Times, dated November 23, 1906, reporting on the library's decision to ban Eve's Diary).
Comments (10)
I read that but I didn't see the picture. Funny how times change, isn't it? I read some excerpts on Google Books from Adam's Diary by Twain. It was hilarious. I enjoyed when Adam was trying to figure out what the baby Cain was. First it looked kind of fish-like. Then humanish but it walked on four legs instead of two so it was baffling.
That's cool.
This is a delicious addendum to my discovery that many public libraries regard social networks, such as Xanga, as "satanic".
Very cool.
"After looking long and earnestly at one picture depicting Eve pensively reclining on a rock, Mr. Wakefield decided to act."
Earnestly, huh? Surprised that line made it past the editor.
wow i've never heard of it! maybe i'll look it up. i love to read. but even though it'll probably be a little harder to understand than modern books!
Heheh... I love the expression of Adam. Incidentally enough, he seems to have a "Prince Adam" thing going for him. :D
I didn't know the serpent was wound around Adam's private parts when Eve offered him the apple. That changes everything.
Oh barf, I wrote a comment then went to the link before sending and lost it all. Sears Roebuck Catalog could not put women wearing a bra they were selling until around 1940. So many archaic laws. However I am more than glad that you brought this title up as I love Twain's wit. I did not know it existed and although my husband did we had never crossed the topic. I will be in search of it as soon as possible. I love to come to your site, there is always something interesting.
Sad to think how many people have walked through those doors and been deprived of some classic Twain. Wow!