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Lecture

William Tyler
The Burning of Books: Freedom of Speech

Monday 9.05.2022

Summary

William Tyler discusses the historical context of book burnings, particularly the Nazi book burning of May 10, 1933, due to the anniversary and its connection to Jewish Book Week. The discussion aims to address the contemporary threats to freedom of speech and explores the importance of preserving ideas despite attempts to destroy them. The conversation delves into the broader issue of censorship, questioning whether freedom of speech should have limits, and references historical instances where Allied forces confiscated and destroyed books after World War II.

William Tyler

An image of William Tyler

William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.