Margaret Atwood Makes ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Book ‘Unburnable’ To Fight Censorship

In recent months, there’s been lots of buzz surrounding various book bans taking place across the country, with the New York Public Library releasing four banned books to be read for free, and Nashville Public Library coming up with ‘I Read Banned Books’ library cards for readers to proudly declare the freedom to read.

Now, in a bid to fight back against censorship, famed author Margaret Atwood has created a special edition of her most iconic work—The Handmaid’s Tale—made out of “unburnable” fireproof materials. 

According to Random Penguin House, Atwood’s book has been challenged and banned for decades, making it the perfect example to spur on the cause. By making it impossible to burn, it hopes to become a “powerful symbol against censorship,” and protect the poignant story within its pages. 

First published in 1996, the dystopian novel follows the story of Offred, a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian regime in which her only role is to enter into sexual servitude and repopulate the world.

In a video debuting this incredible edition of the book, the author herself can be seen using a flamethrower pointed directly at the book, which rather impressively, shows no signs of burning or charing. 

The book will be put up for auction at Sotheby’s New York from May 23 to June 7, with all proceeds from the sale going towards PEN America in support of its work of free expression. 

[via The Guardian and Penguin Random House, cover image via Penguin Random House]