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Bowdler’s Day, observed every July 11, commemorates the birth of Thomas Bowdler, whose expurgated edition of Shakespeare sparked a lasting debate on censorship. Reflect on the power of edited texts, discuss literary adaptation with friends, and explore different versions of classic works.
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Expected Bowdler's Day Deals
While Bowdler’s Day isn’t typically marked by commercial sales, literary institutions and educational platforms often highlight discussions around censorship and adaptation. Look for special events at independent bookstores or online archives offering access to different literary editions. Organizations like PEN America and the National Coalition Against Censorship may share resources. We will update this page with confirmed live events as July 11 approaches.
Platform Guide for Bowdler's Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #BowdlersDay. Share your thoughts on literary adaptation and the role of editing in publishing.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #BowdlersDay. Join the conversation about censorship in literature and its historical impact.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BowdlersDay. Post about your favorite classic literature and discuss different interpretations.
Bowdler's Day Hero
Thomas Bowdler
History of Bowdler's Day
Thomas Bowdler was born on July 11, 1754, in Bath, U.K. An English physician and philanthropist, Bowdler is best known for his censorship of books. Bowdler’s father would read the Bible and Shakespeare for his sisters and him, but left out what he thought was objectionable. Bowdler published a censored version of Shakespeare’s works in 1807, although many are of the opinion that this book, “The Family Shakespeare,” was edited by one of Bowdler’s sisters. Bowdler censored Shakespeare because he wanted a version that could be read by anyone in the family, including ‘virtuous females.’ Bowdler also edited parts of the Old Testament, as well as Edward Gibbon’s “History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.” These versions were published in 1826, a year after Bowdler’s death. By the 1830s, the word ‘bowdlerize’ became a part of everyday language. It was a derogatory term that meant ‘censorship.’ But, more specifically, it meant censoring a written work by removing or editing passages that may be vulgar or objectionable.
On Bowdler’s Day, we should think about and reflect on censorship and the importance of free speech. Although Bowdler’s censorship irks a lot of readers, there is some reason to celebrate it. The publishing of “The Family Shakespeare” made Shakespeare accessible to a wider readership. The books became cheaper and were no longer locked up in the libraries of the rich.
Bowdler's Day timeline
Bowdler graduates with a degree in medicine from St. Andrews.
Bowdler is elected a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
Bowdler marries Elizabeth Trevenen at the age of 52.
Bowdler dies at the age of 71 in Wales, the United Kingdom.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Bowdler's Day
Local bookstores and libraries can host discussion panels on literary censorship, offering different editions of classic works for comparison. Educational institutions might organize workshops on textual adaptation or the historical context of Bowdler’s work. Publishers could highlight their own ‘clean’ editions or works that have faced similar debates. Consider partnering with local literary societies to promote critical thinking about how texts are presented and consumed.
Bowdler's Day FAQs
When is Bowdler's Day?
In 2027, Bowdler’s Day is observed on Sunday, July 11. This annual observance invites contemplation on the impact of edited literature and the freedom of expression.
What does 'bowdlerize' mean?
The verb ‘bowdlerize’ refers to the act of censoring or editing content, typically from a literary work, to make it more ‘suitable’ for a particular audience, often by removing sexually explicit or violent passages. It highlights the historical debate over content suitability.
Why did Thomas Bowdler edit Shakespeare?
Bowdler’s primary motivation for his ‘Family Shakespeare’ was to make the Bard’s works accessible and morally acceptable to a broader readership, especially those who might otherwise be deterred by the original texts’ perceived impropriety. This reflected the social mores of his time.
Is censorship still an issue in literature today?
Absolutely. Modern literary censorship manifests in various forms, from challenges to books in educational institutions to self-censorship by authors and publishers. Discussions on Bowdler’s Day often extend to contemporary issues of artistic freedom and intellectual access.
How to celebrate Bowdler’s Day
Do something controversial
Read a book that is banned in your region, or watch a controversial television show or movie. Bowdler’s Day is the day to break all censorship rules!
Read Bowdler’s Shakespeare
Get a copy of Bowdler’s “The Family Shakespeare” and try to find all the changes that he made to the original. You can do this activity with your reading group.
Fight censorship
Join groups or support activists that speak against censorship. You can also donate to anti-censorship organizations and movements.
5 Facts About Shakespeare That Will Blow Your Mind
He invented many words
Shakespeare has introduced almost 3,000 words to the English language.
His shortest play is “The Comedy of Errors”
“The Comedy of Errors” is Shakespeare's shortest play at just 1,770 lines long.
His parents were illiterate
Shakespeare's parents, John and Mary Shakespeare, were illiterate.
He never went to university
In fact, Shakespeare left formal education at the age of 14.
His wife was older than him
18-year-old Shakespeare wed 26-year-old Anne Hathaway, who was three months pregnant at the time.
Why we love Bowdler’s Day
The truth has many versions
It’s interesting to see how a literary work is interpreted by different readers. What is perfectly acceptable to you, might be terribly objectionable to someone else.
It challenges censorship.
Censorship can muffle dissent and public opinion. On Bowdler’s Day, we should challenge authorities that enforce censorship rules as a means of intimidation.
It celebrates reading
Bowdler’s Day is a big day for bookworms. If you love reading, then you’ll enjoy reading Shakespeare as well as the Bowdler editions.
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