Politically incorrect truth suppressed again? Scholar David Selbourne just can't get his new book published.
A distinguished writer and academic has accused leading publishers of turning down his latest book because it is too critical of Islam.Posted by Alan at July 25, 2004 09:06 AMDavid Selbourne, who has written more than a dozen books, and his literary agent suspect that publishers are shunning The Losing Battle With Islam because it could provoke anger from Islamic extremists and other critics.
Among the subjects covered in the book is the "negative impact" of actions by Muslims in recent decades. It suggests that Islam is not a religion of peace, balance and compassion, as many of its adherents claim.
The book also discusses the fatwa that was issued against Salman Rushdie, the novelist, by the Ayatollah Khomeini, after the publication of The Satanic Verses. Mr Selbourne writes of the "cruel bounty repeatedly offered for his [Mr Rushie's] head".
Six publishers, including Penguin, HarperCollins and Heinemann, have turned down the book in the past five months.