Right now I am reading The 13 Curses by Michelle Harrison. The book is not yet available in the US so I had to order it from a bookseller who has overseas contacts. Obviously this was not difficult on-line. BUT none of this is what I am wondering. I know there are occasions when British books are changed when published in the US like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone became Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I would like to see a copy of The 13 Curses when it does come out here to see if there are changes. As I was thinking about this I got a little hot under the collar wondering why these changes are made.
Is it:
1. British publishers believe American readers will be put off by British English and therefore not buy books from British authors?
2. American publishers believe American readers will be put off by British English and therefore not buy books from British authors?
3. One of these two thinks American readers are sooooo dumb they will not understand that "colour" is the same as "color," and "nappy" means "diaper?"
I like the British flavour/flavor of books that take place in Britain, and the verbal and cultural differences shown in these books. I think Americans need a little shake up so we do not believe the whole world speaks and thinks the way we do.
