Current Controversies - Censorship (paperback edition)

From School Library Journal Gr 9 Up-A collection of articles and book excerpts on various aspects of this important issue. The four chapters address freedom of speech in our democracy; censorship issues in schools; whether or not pornography should be censored; and what role, if any, the government should take in regulating art and pop culture. Each one opens with an introductory overview of the topic. The author's credentials allow readers to see from what perspective the ensuing piece was written. Contributors vary from a state Supreme Court justice to a member of the board of the National Communist Party, from professors to lawyers, newspaper editors, ACLU representatives, and myriad other "experts." Gray text boxes highlight and synthesize important points. The book has a lengthy bibliography, and the index has been prepared with researchers in mind. However, Nancy Day's Censorship or Freedom of Expression? (Lerner, 2000) is on a lower reading level and will have more appeal because of its larger print, photographs, and more user-friendly appearance. The two books have similar chapter names, some of the same organizations to contact, and include many of the same titles in their bibliographies. Day's book will meet the needs for short reports, but for an in-depth analysis of the subject, Egendorf's book is the one of choice.-Marilyn Fairbanks, Azure IRC, Brockton High School, MACopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc. Review "This anthology includes essays that initially appeared in periodicals, newspapers, books, government documents, and public and private organizational publications...A balanced presentation for highly controversial views, the selections differ in style and polish; some are carefully reasoned, and others are emotionally charged. Three major sections explore the dimensions of the problem, its causes, and possible remedies. Pulling no punches, this title covers its subjects well. Useful for research, for reports, and for debates." --