It would appear that the purpose of this edition is so that a literary classic can be taught in schools. Apparently teachers were avoiding what is possibly the most famous American novel of all, because of the obvious problems associated with using the word “****” as it is studied and discussed.
Huckleberry Finn might well give an accurate portrayal of the language used in the Deep South shortly after they were forced to abolish slavery, but like slavery, some of the words spoken at that time are offensive to modern day readers.
The alternative to not having this edition is that a classic novel is not taught in schools. Because it would be inappropriate for a teacher to verbalise the word “****” in front of a classroom of children. And not least in front of a mixed race classroom. Not only is the word offensive, but it is very likely that pupils might exploit its usage by teachers to justify using it themselves.
For the literary purists who wish their copies of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to contain the word “****”, the solution is unbelievable simple……….they avoid buying that particular edition.
I can’t see any problem whatsoever, and perhaps a more appropriate title for this thread might have been “it’s a lot of fuss over nothing gone mad” 💡
