A "book burner" refers to an individual or group that destroys books, often as a form of censorship or protest against the ideas contained within them. This act is typically motivated by a desire to suppress certain viewpoints, ideologies, or cultural expressions that are deemed objectionable or threatening. Book burning has occurred throughout history, often associated with authoritarian regimes or movements that seek to control information. Historically, notable instances of book burning include the Nazi regime in Germany, which targeted works by Jewish authors and other dissenting voices. Another example is the Spanish Inquisition, where texts deemed heretical were destroyed. These actions reflect broader societal conflicts over freedom of expression and the power of literature.