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E: 24/07 Win a bundle of Readers' Choice books
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Midnighter
Posts: 20,350 Forumite
Penguin
url: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/penguin-books-that-shocked-society
To celebrate Penguin’s 90th birthday, we share the stories behind the books that pushed boundaries and sparked controversy.
Books have always been an important tool for exploring taboo topics, from war, to sex, to religion, to the way we live. Since 1935, Penguin has led the way in bringing new perspectives and provocative subject matter to readers, sparking debates, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, and, ultimately, shaping the world around us.
To celebrate this legacy, we asked Simon Prosser, Publishing Director of Penguin imprint Hamish Hamilton and editor of authors including Zadie Smith, Bernardine Evaristo and Arundhati Roy, for his take on how books have shocked us across the decades. Plus, we take a look at eight more Penguin books that have had the biggest impact.
PLUS: Vote for your favourite pick at the end of the article for a chance to win a bundle of Readers' Choice books.
For the chance to win one of ten bundles of the top-voted books, enter your details before 11:59pm on 24th July 2025.
url: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/penguin-books-that-shocked-society
To celebrate Penguin’s 90th birthday, we share the stories behind the books that pushed boundaries and sparked controversy.
Books have always been an important tool for exploring taboo topics, from war, to sex, to religion, to the way we live. Since 1935, Penguin has led the way in bringing new perspectives and provocative subject matter to readers, sparking debates, pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable, and, ultimately, shaping the world around us.
To celebrate this legacy, we asked Simon Prosser, Publishing Director of Penguin imprint Hamish Hamilton and editor of authors including Zadie Smith, Bernardine Evaristo and Arundhati Roy, for his take on how books have shocked us across the decades. Plus, we take a look at eight more Penguin books that have had the biggest impact.
PLUS: Vote for your favourite pick at the end of the article for a chance to win a bundle of Readers' Choice books.
For the chance to win one of ten bundles of the top-voted books, enter your details before 11:59pm on 24th July 2025.
'...luck came to those who left a space for it.' Terry Pratchett
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