Queen knights author Rushdie
26.06.2008 21:02
Arts
- Source: cbc.ca
About a year after it was first announced —and caused ripples of protest across the Muslim world — the Queen knighted author Salman Rushdie in London on Wednesday. The 61-year-old, Booker Prize-winning novelist wanted to keep the focus on the prestigious honour rather than the controversy that continues to follow him, when speaking to reporters after the ceremony. "This is, as I say, an honour not for any specific book but for a very long career in writing, and I'm happy to see that recognized," he said. "At this stage, you know, it's certainly not a day to talk about controversy. It's a day for myself and my family to celebrate this." Rushdie was sent into hiding for more than a decade after Iran's then leader, Ayatollah Khomeini, issued in 1989 a religious edict ordering Muslims to kill the Indian-born, British author for allegedly insulting Islam with his novel The Satanic Verses. In 1998, the Iranian governement declared that it would no longer support or encourage Khomeini's fatwa, and Rushdie gradually returned to public appearances. However, he revealed in February 2007 that individuals still send him a "sort of Valentine's card" each year reminding him of the edict. Promoted novel in CanadaThe author was once again the subject of new protests from the Muslim world last June when the British monarch announced her list of birthday honours, which includes subjects to be granted knighthoods. Rallies in Pakistan called for a British trade boycott, while in Iran, clerics and government officials condemned the decision. "Giving a medal to someone who is among the most detested figures in the Islamic community is … a blatant example of the anti-Islamism of senior British officials," charged Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ali Hosseini. Rushdie recently was in Canada promoting his latest novel, The Enchantress of Florence. With files from the Associated PressStory Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksQ&A: Think again: Salman Rushdie discusses his thought-provoking novels More Books HeadlinesQueen knights author RushdieAbout a year after it was first announced and caused ripples of protest across the Muslim world, the Queen knighted author Salman Rushdie in London on Wednesday.Atwood nets prestigious Spanish literary prizeSpain has named writer Margaret Atwood winner of one of the country's most distinguished arts prizes, sometimes likened to the European country's version of the Nobel Prize.N.B. 'cradle of architecture' in Canada, says new bookA new book on architecture in New Brunswick is a treat for history buffs, especially those who live in parts of Canada where buildings are considered "old" if they date from the early 20th century.Hage, Mowat slated for Toronto authors festival this fallRecent IMPAC Dublin Award winner Rawi Hage, Canadian literary icon Farley Mowat and Irish novelist Colm Toibin are among the writers taking part in Toronto's annual International Festival of Authors this fall.Ottawa artist, Toronto publisher win premier's arts awardsRon Noganosh, an Ojibwa artist who has challenged notions of contemporary native art, has won the Ontario Premier's Award for Excellence in the Arts. More Arts HeadlinesCannes-winning films to hit Toronto festivalNew films that won acclaim in Cannes this spring will screen for North American audiences this fall at the Toronto International Film Festival.French newsmagazine Paris Match launches Quebec-themed issueLeading French newsmagazine Paris Match is celebrating Quebec in its latest issue, shining a spotlight on La Belle Province for its French readers around the world.Lesbian insults spur human rights complaint against comicA standup comic at the centre of a B.C. Human Rights Tribunal complaint says he's no bigot, after two audience members complained he unleashed a tirade of homophobic and sexist insults at them. Montreal artist crams disco into a boxMontreal artist Adad Hannah calls his latest project a "disco in a box."Lead singer of Dixie Hummingbirds gospel group diesIra Tucker Sr., longtime lead singer of the gospel group the Dixie Hummingbirds, which influenced performers such as the Temptations, James Brown and Stevie Wonder, has died. He was 83. Arts FeaturesStraight but not narrowTen heterosexual stars who have become gay iconsRunning with the packYour handy guide to the Wolf Parade networkShe raaah!Women are doing it for themselves in the world of heavy metalBy George, he did itSeven reasons to miss comedian George CarlinGeorge Carlin: 1937-2008Remembering the trailblazing stand-up comic in picturesMore than wordsThe Calabash festival is a slice of literary paradisePeople who read this also read …
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