Featuring rare books from the holdings of Special Collections, our exhibition in Burling Gallery (lower level) When Books Are Burned chronicles the history of book burning and censorship from the 14th century to present. The destruction and censorship of books is not a new phenomenon and can be dated back to the 3rd century BCE in China. One of the most infamous attacks on intellectual freedom is the pro-Nazi book burnings that occurred in Germany in 1933. However, the desecration and censorship of books occur at many scales: from school boards challenging books to regime sponsored, systematic destruction of libraries. When Books Are Burned illuminates this extensive history, providing important context for contemporary attacks on intellectual freedom.

Curated by Special Collections student workers Gabriel Martinez ‘28 and Han Orr ‘28.

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