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This is the Penguin paperback edition of Salman Rushdie's novel "Satanic Verses". Despite trade promotion copies (such as this) being printed, it was not published by Penguin because of threats made by extreme Islamic groups against the author and the publisher. An anonymous imprint, "The Consortium", was formed to publish the paperback.

The removal of this physical and cultural object from its intended role in normal commercial trade showed - like an unborn child - how strongly the existence of an individual object can stir personal and communal emotions. The controversy over this novel was the first peak in the late 20th century religious/ cultural clash between the freedom to offend and the freedom to take action when offended. Unless politicians and religious leaders prove braver and more adept than has so far appeared, that clash could become a defining feature of the 21st century.

The book was given to me by the Managing Director of Penguin Books, New Zealand, who knew of my admiration for Penguin's editorial and design skills.

The back cover includes ISBN 0-14-011890-X . Google that standard publishing identifier: "No results found".