From left, Tom Sawyer, Jim the runaway slave and Huckleberry FinnThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer was Education Secretary Alan Johnson's favourite book at the age of 11. And it's on a list of the top 160 books for teenage boys. But is Mark Twain's tale relevant today?
From left, Tom Sawyer, Jim the runaway slave and Huckleberry FinnThe Adventures of Tom Sawyer was Education Secretary Alan Johnson's favourite book at the age of 11. And it's on a list of the top 160 books for teenage boys. But is Mark Twain's tale relevant today?
Tom Sawyer is an orphan who gets into scrapes with his friend Huckleberry Finn. In one adventure he is given up for dead and watches his own funeral, in another he witnesses a murder. It's a classic adventure tale about a loveable young rogue.
Tom Sawyer is an orphan who gets into scrapes with his friend Huckleberry Finn. In one adventure he is given up for dead and watches his own funeral, in another he witnesses a murder. It's a classic adventure tale about a loveable young rogue.
But even fans of the book, written in 1876, admit that the language is a bit archaic. Then there's the book's setting - Mississippi at a time when the slave trade blighted the southern United States.
But even fans of the book, written in 1876, admit that the language is a bit archaic. Then there's the book's setting - Mississippi at a time when the slave trade blighted the southern United States.
Tom Sawyer evokes the free spirit of childhood, which is why it has such an enduring appeal Alan Johnson's spokesman Like Mr Johnson, children's author GP Taylor - the author of Shadowmancer and Worwood - grew up in a council house with no books. But Tom Sawyer is one of his least favourite books.
Tom Sawyer evokes the free spirit of childhood, which is why it has such an enduring appeal Alan Johnson's spokesman Like Mr Johnson, children's author GP Taylor - the author of Shadowmancer and Worwood - grew up in a council house with no books. But Tom Sawyer is one of his least favourite books.
"It's not really where kids are at today. It uses very dry language and isn't the sort of book to recommend if you're trying to encourage boys to read more."
"It's not really where kids are at today. It uses very dry language and isn't the sort of book to recommend if you're trying to encourage boys to read more."
The former vicar, who visits hundreds of schools every year to promote reading, says his own work was left off the list because of its religious content - the best-selling books are based on morality tales.
The former vicar, who visits hundreds of schools every year to promote reading, says his own work was left off the list because of its religious content - the best-selling books are based on morality tales.
Objectionable language
Objectionable language
Mr Taylor objects to Tom Sawyer because it uses the term "nigger" to refer to black people.
Mr Taylor objects to Tom Sawyer because it uses the term "nigger" to refer to black people.
TOM SAWYER Written in 1876 by Mark Twain (above)Tom's an orphan who lives with Aunt PollyTricks his friends into painting a fence for himPlays pirates with Huck FinnHe's a minor character in The Adventures of Huckleberry FinnSome versions cut out smoking and slavery referencesInjun Joe is Tom's villain "It's a racist book, I wouldn't have it on a bookshelf of mine. It should only be read under supervision so that children can understand the culture and history of America at that time, otherwise when they come to the n-word they may think that because it's in a recommended book they can use it."
TOM SAWYER Written in 1876 by Mark Twain (above)Tom's an orphan who lives with Aunt PollyTricks his friends into painting a fence for himPlays pirates with Huck FinnHe's a minor character in The Adventures of Huckleberry FinnSome versions cut out smoking and slavery referencesInjun Joe is Tom's villain "It's a racist book, I wouldn't have it on a bookshelf of mine. It should only be read under supervision so that children can understand the culture and history of America at that time, otherwise when they come to the n-word they may think that because it's in a recommended book they can use it."
A spokesman for Mr Johnson says the book has to be read in context.
A spokesman for Mr Johnson says the book has to be read in context.
"Of course the language of the book is a product of its time. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer evokes the free spirit of childhood, which is why it has such an enduring appeal."
"Of course the language of the book is a product of its time. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer evokes the free spirit of childhood, which is why it has such an enduring appeal."
Marcella Edwards, senior commissioning editor for Penguin Classics, the publishers of Tom Sawyer, says Twain's opposition to racism is shown through Tom's friendship with Jim, a black man.
Marcella Edwards, senior commissioning editor for Penguin Classics, the publishers of Tom Sawyer, says Twain's opposition to racism is shown through Tom's friendship with Jim, a black man.
"It would have been unheard of for a white boy to have a black friend, and to have an adult black friend would have been considered odd beyond belief. It shows you can subvert expectations and get away with it."
"It would have been unheard of for a white boy to have a black friend, and to have an adult black friend would have been considered odd beyond belief. It shows you can subvert expectations and get away with it."
Ms Edwards concedes that it's not an easy read, with its "archaic" language and complex political backdrop, but adds that it's accessible and relevant.
Ms Edwards concedes that it's not an easy read, with its "archaic" language and complex political backdrop, but adds that it's accessible and relevant.
"It's a pacy, well-written story of daring-do. Boys will respond to it because it's sheer escapism and a bloody good read. It's fantastic because there's this child who has mad adventures, yet comes to no harm. It shows you that the sky's the limit and you can do what you want to do."
"It's a pacy, well-written story of daring-do. Boys will respond to it because it's sheer escapism and a bloody good read. It's fantastic because there's this child who has mad adventures, yet comes to no harm. It shows you that the sky's the limit and you can do what you want to do."
Yucky stuff
Yucky stuff
The acid test is whether boys themselves will pick up classics like Tom Sawyer.
The acid test is whether boys themselves will pick up classics like Tom Sawyer.
Harry Potter's not on the listThomas Clark, 10, of Leeds, likes the idea of reading a book about his namesake.
Harry Potter's not on the listThomas Clark, 10, of Leeds, likes the idea of reading a book about his namesake.
His current favourites are by the modern authors Darren Shan and Francesca Simon, the creators of Horrid Henry. "They're exciting and the people in them have adventures and do horrible things. It's better to pick your own books than have a list."
His current favourites are by the modern authors Darren Shan and Francesca Simon, the creator of Horrid Henry. "They're exciting and the people in them have adventures and do horrible things. It's better to pick your own books than have a list."
Isaac Brightmore, 13, of Daventry, says he does not read as much as he used to and instead spends his time "playing with friends, on the computer and studying for exams".
Isaac Brightmore, 13, of Daventry, says he does not read as much as he used to and instead spends his time "playing with friends, on the computer and studying for exams".
He says he would be more encouraged to read Tom Sawyer if he saw a film version first (he's currently reading a book version of Pirates of the Caribbean).
He says he would be more encouraged to read Tom Sawyer if he saw a film version first (he's currently reading a book version of Pirates of the Caribbean).
"I've heard of Tom Sawyer, it would probably appeal to boys that find adventure stories exciting. But for those that are more interested in the latest cars, I'm not so sure."
"I've heard of Tom Sawyer, it would probably appeal to boys that find adventure stories exciting. But for those that are more interested in the latest cars, I'm not so sure."
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