The furor over the Dr. Seuss books and the ending of printing of six of his works reminds me of the unfortunate experiences of a 1950s author, Grace Metalius. The wise elders of Boston dusted off their volumes of “The Codes Of Blue Laws” and proclaimed “Peyton Place” sufficiently salacious to provide threat to adolescent eyes. In the best fashion of the Salem Witch Trials several copies of Graces’ book were burned at the stake and further publication of Peyton Place was “Banned In Boston”! All of this had exactly the opposite effect sought by the town elders. Sales exploded and Peyton Place became a huge best seller and made Metalius a very wealthy woman. Other publishers followed suit with future publications. The one phase across the cover to assure success was “Banned”! In Dr. Seuss’ own words: “Oh The Places You’ll Go”!
Bob Kelly
Everett
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