Anthony Horowitz has said it is better for children to read “offensive” books than none at all, adding that Roald Dahl’s publishers had “shot themselves in the foot” with updates to his books.

The Jewish author said he was opposed to “tampering with the work of dead writers” who could not defend themselves.

“It seems to me that you should take the work, judge it and be aware of why we no longer share these opinions, or this view of the world. Rather than censor, cut and take out stuff.”

Horowitz, one of the country’s most popular novelists, said it was important that children read something, even if some material might be offensive to readers, since 25 per cent of schools in Britain do not have a library.

Horowitz’s comments at the Oxford Literary Festival follow a series of text changes that publishers and literary estates have made to updated editions of books by Dahl, Agatha Christie and other writers.

After a backlash that involved the prime minister Rishi Sunak criticising the changes, Puffin said it would retain the “new” versions but also offer “classic” editions with Dahl’s original text.

The Stanmore born author said the country’s literacy problems meant reading of any material should be encouraged, as according to the latest available data from the Department of Education, a quarter of 11-year-old school pupils in England do not meet the expected reading standard.

“There are a huge number of schools that don’t have libraries. In this country it is statutory for there to be libraries in prison but not in schools. What kind of country allows that to continue?

“Whatever your view of the book, even if it is something considered offensive or trivial or trite, it is better than not reading. As long as they read something.”

Horowitz has previously claimed children’s book publishers are “more scared than anybody” of causing offence.

Last May he announced he had “just suffered from my last book notes from my publisher which absolutely shocked me about things which I could or couldn’t say”.