Ethics in Ink: A Converation with Richard Ovenden: Author of "Burning the Books: A History of the Deliberate Destruction of Knowledge"

Abstract

Burning the Books: A History of the Deliberate Destruction of Knowledge offers a warning about the fragility of free societies in an age where institutions of knowledge are frequently destroyed, neglected, censored, and weaponized for political gain. Written by Richard Ovenden, head of the Bodleian Library, the book explores why and how knowledge has been stored, destroyed, and lost throughout history so we may learn how to protect it in the present. As purveyors of information and narratives, publishers have a part in this dilemma through their editorial decisions and responses to societal pressure.

Ovenden and I spoke over Zoom from an ocean away—from New York and Oxford—to discuss new developments since his book was written, the responsibility of publishers in preserving knowledge, and what the average person can do to help.

What follows is an edited excerpt from our conversation, condensed for clarity and length.