James Anson Farrer’s Books Condemned to be Burnt is exactly what it sounds like: a tour through history, stopping at all the moments when people decided the best way to deal with a controversial book was to set it on fire. Published in the late 19th century, Farrer acts as a guide, pulling examples from centuries of European history, with a focus on England.

The Story

There isn’t a traditional plot with characters. Instead, the ‘story’ is the ongoing battle between authority and challenging ideas. Farrer organizes his material by the types of books that got burned. He shows us religious texts deemed heretical, political writings that threatened monarchs, and philosophical works that challenged the moral order of the day. For each example, he provides context: who wrote it, why it caused such an uproar, and who ordered the flames. You’ll encounter famous names and obscure pamphleteers, all united by having their work turned to ash.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a powerful reminder that the freedom to read and write was hard-won. It’s strangely thrilling and a little chilling to see the raw power of ideas laid bare. Farrer has a clear point of view—he’s on the side of the books—and his writing, while from another time, carries a passion that’s contagious. It makes you think about what we take for granted today. Beyond the history lesson, there’s a fascinating human element: the sheer drama of an author watching their life’s work be destroyed, or a government so threatened by paper and ink it resorts to public spectacle. It connects directly to modern debates about censorship and ‘cancel culture,’ but with much higher stakes for the authors involved.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs who like their facts served with a side of rebellion, and for any reader who believes in the power of a good book to shake the world. It’s also great for bibliophiles—it will make you look at your own collection and wonder which title might have been fuel for a bonfire in another era. The writing is from the 1890s, so be ready for a slightly more formal style, but the stories themselves are timeless. If you’ve ever gotten angry about a book being banned, this is the origin story of that fight.