‘Satanic Verses’ Delay in Paperback Angers Rushdie, Report Says

The publisher of “The Satanic Verses” has angered its author, Salman Rushdie, by deciding to delay publishing a paperback version because of the Muslim death threats, a newspaper said.

“Mr. Rushdie is now claiming that his life will never be safe until the publishing cycle is completed,” The Observer said in its report Sunday.

Rushdie has been in hiding under police guard since Feb. 14, when the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran, urged Muslims to seek out and kill the author and others involved in the publication of “The Satanic Verses.” Khomeini died in June.

Many Muslims believe the book, which has caused worldwide protests, is blasphemous to Islam.

In a statement later Sunday, publisher Viking Penguin addressed plans for publishing the paperback.

“No firm date has been established, but even if it had it would not be the company’s policy to reveal such information for obvious security reasons.”

The Observer, quoting an unidentified company source, said the publishers will not produce the paperback as long as there is risk to its staff, bookshops or the public.

The Observer, which occasionally publishes book reviews by Rushdie, said Viking Penguin’s decision has strained the company’s relations with Rushdie. It said Rushdie is claiming the company has a contractual obligation to publish a paperback edition without delay.

In August, the company “indicated to Mr. Rushdie it hoped he would agree that the paperback should be delayed at least until the excitement about it had subsided,” The Observer said.

The newspaper quoted the company source as saying “Salman turned this down flat.”

A Viking Penguin spokesman, speaking on condition of anonymity, denied that there was animosity between the publisher and Rushdie. He said they retain good relations “in the face of circumstances unprecedented in publishing.”

Rushdie’s wife, American novelist Marianne Wiggins, was quoted Sunday as saying Rushdie could have financial problems if the paperback isn’t published.

The hardcover edition of “The Satanic Verses” has become an international bestseller, with sales of more than 1-million copies, despite being banned in more than 20 countries.