From Slate Magazine · Jacob Grier · · 1m 40s
Censorship Battle Over Cocktail Book
American cocktail book faces Chinese censorship after mentioning Taiwan.
In brief
American cocktail book faces Chinese censorship after mentioning Taiwan. Author altered book text to avoid Chinese censorship but warns of broader impacts on free expression. Originally reported by Slate Magazine.
Censorship email
Author received surprise email about potential censorship of their book.
“Censorship issues”
Book details
The Bartender’s Library is a guide to spirits and cocktails for American audience.
Taiwan reference
Book mentions Taiwanese single-malt whiskey from Kavalan distillery.
“Kavalan”
Censorship demand
Chinese printer demanded book reference Taiwan as part of China or erase Taiwan entirely.
“Taiwan, China”
Global censorship
China’s censorship affects international businesses and cultural events worldwide.
Other examples
Taiwanese athletes compete as Chinese Taipei and human rights conference canceled in Zambia.
“Chinese Taipei”
Museum case
Victoria and Albert Museum altered catalogs to comply with Chinese censorship.
“Victoria and Albert Museum”
Publisher dilemma
Author and publisher debated delaying publication or altering text to meet censorship.
Text changes
Book substituted Jamaican rum for Taiwanese whiskey and described Kavalan as Taiwan region.
“Taiwan region”
Economic pressure
Publisher prioritized project viability over censorship compliance.
“50,000 words”
Future printings
Future printings will not face same censorship timing constraints.
“future printings”
Public awareness
Author plans to publicize censorship to warn publishers about Chinese censorship risks.
“call far more attention”
Book delivery
First printed copy arrived two years after book started writing.
“two years”
Censorship impact
Censorship altered text subtly but author warns of broader implications for free expression.
“insidious”
Author’s stance
Author did not acknowledge Chinese government’s claim of sovereignty over Taiwan.
“sovereignty over Taiwan”
Historical context
2016 Merriam-Webster dictionary pages mentioning Taiwan were ripped out before reaching China.
“Merriam-Webster”
The main idea
Author altered book text to avoid Chinese censorship but warns of broader impacts on free expression.
