Scandalous schoolbook banned in several countries became a hit in Australia

IT was denounced by the Pope, branded obscene and banned from sale overseas. So naturally every Australian teen wanted a copy of this book.

A child reading the controversial Little Red Schoolbook in 1972. Picture: The Sun

IT was known as “the book that shook the world”.

The Little Red Schoolbook was banned from sale in multiple countries, but when it

hit Australian bookstores in 1972 it was an instant hit.

The subversive book, selling for $1.75, was written by two Danish schoolteachers.

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It frankly discussed sex, contraception, drugs, alcohol and education — and unleashed hysteria from traditionalists for its permissive stance and anti-authoritarian advice.

Leading Australian conservative Bob Santamaria reportedly said the book was “not even suitable for adults with weak stomachs”.

It was denounced by the Pope as sacrilegious.

Page 2 of newspaper The Sun on May 9, 1972

The little red schoolbook.

And it was banned in the UK, where its publisher was successfully prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act, as well as in New Zealand, France, Italy — and Queensland.

As The Sun reported at the time, Melbourne parents were quick to buy the book, which deliberately echoed Mao’s Little Red Book in title and design.

High school and university students waving copies of Chairman Mao Zedong's "Little Red Book" in 1966.

One woman looked horrified when a bookseller told her the book contained “everything your children want to know”.

The book’s release here came after federal Cabinet backed customs minister Don Chipp’s decision to let it go on sale, but it also decided to try to stop the book being distributed in schools.

It was a vindication of Mr Chipp, who had let it be known he would resign if he was overruled.

If you read the book in 1972, let us know what you thought.

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