The publisher that reviewed Roald Dahl’s books announces that it will also launch a collection of original texts

British publisher Puffin UK has announced that it will launch an original collection of classics by the end of the year. Roald Dahl “to preserve the author’s classic texts in print”. This comes after criticism of the writer’s edited version of the novel with changes to remove potentially offensive language.

As Efe reports, the said publisher caused controversy in the United Kingdom recently by confirming that it had reviewed the books of the popular and beloved children’s author, who died in 1990, to ensure that his books were suitable “for the enjoyment of all minors.” In this way, for example, references that are considered controversial regarding the weight or physical appearance of the characters (eradicating adjectives like “fat” or “ugly”), mental health, violence, gender and race.

In a new statement, Puffin UK clarified this all 17 original (unretouched) titles in Dahl’s collection will be available later this year and will include archival material relevant to each of the stories of the celebrated and controversial author.

The classic collection will sit alongside the recently released new version of Roald Dahl’s books with parts rewritten or modified to avoid offending the sensibilities of today’s audiences.

Francesca Dow, children’s director of Penguin Random House (the UK parent of Puffin), noted that Puffin “has proudly published Roald Dahl stories for over 40 years in association with the Roald Dahl Story Company” and noted that “his spirited mischief and his the unique way of telling stories has enchanted the imagination of readers of many generations.”

Dow indicated that the publisher was “listening to the debate” launched last week “which acknowledges the extraordinary power of Roald Dahl’s books” and questions that raise “how stories from another era can continue to be relevant to each new generation.” .