: A significant portion of modern censorship is "self-censorship" or "middleman-censorship," often deliberately cultivated by outside powers or corporate decision-making rather than direct government mandate.
: Designed for high school and college students, it uses an accessible alphabetical format to explore facets of the subject, including historical context for major controversies. Encyclopedia of Censorship
Drawing from the encyclopedia and related research, several core themes emerge: : A significant portion of modern censorship is
: Beyond specific cases, the encyclopedia examines the philosophy of censorship, such as the distinction between "selection" (the democratic process of curating resources) and "censorship" (the authoritarian control of thought). Insights into the Nature of Censorship Insights into the Nature of Censorship : While
: While older forms of censorship often involved pre-publication licensing, modern "liberal" regimes more frequently utilize post-publication controls like seizures, postal regulations, and industry self-regulation.
: Readers have noted that the encyclopedia highlights the often-absurd nature of forbidden-book lists, showing how "decency" can be used as a cudgel to attack moral or intellectual progress.
The , primarily authored by Jonathon Green and later updated with Nicholas J. Karolides, serves as a comprehensive reference work that explores the history, evolution, and societal impact of suppressed expression. Overview and Purpose