1984: Introduction by Julian Symons

by George Orwell

Book Overview

A deluxe hardcover edition of 1984: one of the most celebrated novels of the twentieth century, Orwell's cautionary tale of a man trapped under the gaze of an authoritarian state feels more relevant now than ever before.

Winston Smith spends his days rewriting history to fit the narrative that his government wants citizens to believe. But as the gap between the propaganda he writes and the reality he lives proves too much for Winston...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679417397
• ISBN13: 9780679417392
• Release Date: November 1992
• Publisher: Everyman's Library
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Children's Accelerated Readers Edition

I failed to bother reading the description of this version of George Orwell's 1984 (it's also highly likely that it's also NOT in the description as many times that information is missing) & discovered upon delivery that it is written for Advanced Readers at the 5.6 level (fine for my grandchildren, but I'm happy with the original.)

Exactly as advertised

This book is a must Read it is so true to what our world is becoming

Great Book! Terrible Customer Service

I specifically ordered from this seller with the intention of receiving the anniversary edition (pictured - or... the picture keeps changing, so specifically the one that has the Party slogans written on the cover: WAR IS PEACE etc. etc.) I bought an original copy of this version in paperback, but I have lent it out many a time, and it has now been missing for some years without a recollection of who had it last or who lent to who... I was genuinely hoping for the correct version to arrive upon my doorstep, but was unpleasantly surprised with another version. I would appreciate a remediation :/

Overrated

I'm slightly biased in rating this book, as it has become synonymous with right-wing clowns on social media, who may in fact think this is the greatest book ever written. It is not. That doesn't mean it's a bad read, but the ratio of quotes from this work to the actual quality of it is not at all balanced.

A grim warning.

This is a look at what a totalarian society could be. It's truly grim to see the universe of 1984 develop as you read, and look at it through a modern lens. There's a lot of concepts in the book that have shocking parallels to some of our technology and methods today, and it's something to think on. In spite of the dystopia presented, it's written in a very entertaining way, and it makes the book a challenge to put down. It's not meant to be prophetic, but serve as a warning about those who necessarily seek power.

i’m depressed

really makes you think

An ominous look into a not so far off future, a tale of warning.

Certainly lives up to it's reputation in terms of story. While there may be some mild lows in the story you can't help but having a feeling of being on edge as the main character goes about his daily life. A definite tale of caution as to what could be if too much power were in the wrong hands and the inescapable doom that will become of everyone. Some instances will have you thinking that would never happen in a million years, others, will rattle you at the uncanny similarities to today's society. Well written and not too hard to read, I found myself reading chapter after chapter rooting for the main character and hoping he triumphs over each little adversity he encounters. And the ending lit a fervor and hope in me that what happens in this book never comes to pass.

Amazing Read

I loved it! I couldn’t put it down! I loved it so much, I sent my sister a copy of this book.

Literally 1984

If everyone that compared something to this book had actually read it, our political discourse would improve substantially.

A Must Read...

This is a must read for people for it is coming true right in front of our eyes.

This is why I love dystopian fiction!

This book is so good, it reminds me why I love science fiction, and especially dystopian fiction. Scary how relevant it feels to today.

My own fault. Did not read specs enough that it was in Portuguese instead of English. Otherwise, w

My fault.

A Relevant Masterpiece

I sit roughly 20-25 pages from finishing this book and i am dumbfounded by the predictions made by Orwell. The man outlined a dystopic hell that unfortunately reflects much of our society today. This book is essential reading in my mind, while it may be rough at a few points (notably towards the end of Part 2), it still paints such a vivid picture of the horrors of fascist, totalitarian regimes and their effects on the victims forced to live through them. Orwell writes in this informative, hard hitting, critical prose through Winston from time to time, leading to these beautifully hateful passages of scathing criticism for Oceania. Its in these moments where 1984 really hits its stride of making you feel the hate for The Party, and Big Brother, and Oceania and whatever else Winston rants about. It's in these moments when 1984 truly cements itself as a classic piece of literature. (8/10) The book has many standout quotes, but I'll leave you with my favorite and the one that convinced me to finally buy and read it, "Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book has been re-written, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street and building has been re-named, every date has been altered. And this process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except and endless present in which the party is always right"

Never Received my order

I’m pretty mad I ordered this book at the beginning of May and still have not received it. Tracking says they sent it back to sender bc of insufficient address but I received 2 other books I ordered in the same purchase. N there’s no info on how to get in touch with anybody😡😡😡

Don’t sell your classroom noted through books

This “good” quality book was full of adolescent underlining and goofy notes. This is unreadable for me cause I can’t help but be reminded of how foolish I was as a teenager and can’t focus on the Orwell text

Wrong format sent

I ordered a hard cover and received a paperback.

A Classic read for today!!

This book was written before I was born, but I wished that I had read it much sooner in my life. It could be so true in the short future ahead in our world. I wish everybody would take the time to read this short mind stimulating book.

Grim

Disturbing in a way that makes you want to keep reading.

The book came in great condition

There was no writing, no missing pages, or missing front and back cover.

A Must Read for Anyone in Today's Society

1984 is a shocking story and one that every reader, young and old should know. This book opens your eyes to subtle hints today made in the real world. Your eyes will be opened in a new way after finishing this. It's almost scary how accurate it is.

Must have

Must have classic for all dystopian fans. The book that puts Nostradamus to shame accurately describing American Life in 2020 lol.

Double plus good

Timeless classic

This is a wonderful, although depressing, book. I bought it for my granddaughter for Christmas because it was on her list. However, I did not pay attention to the rating as far as scolastic rating and it is far too simple for her. That is my only problem with the book. I do not recall if that was clearly explained in the ordering process. But that has nothing to do with the story which is amazing. It was much more alarming when I first read it in 1962, however, than it is now.

Deviates corrected for their own good

In a society that has eliminated many imbalances, surplus goods, and even class struggle, there are bound to be deviates; Winston Smith is one of those. He starts out, due to his inability to doublethink, with thoughtcrime. This is in a society that believes a thought is as real as the deed. Eventually he graduates through a series of misdemeanors to illicit sex and even plans to overthrow the very government that took him in as an orphan. If he gets caught, he will be sent to the "Ministry of Love" where they have a record of 100% cures for this sort of insanity. They will even forgive his past indiscretions. Be sure to watch the three different movies made from this book: 1984 (1954) Peter Cushing is Winston Smith 1984 (1956) Edmond O'Brien is Winston Smith Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) John Hurt is Winston smith 1984 Actors: Edmond O'Brien, Jan Sterling

This Book is Awesome!

In a time when the government has enough power to control the past, present and future, in a time where you don't even have the right to think freely, in a time when the government can see and hear your every move, how can you fight to free yourself? 1984 by George Orwell is a classic novel which describes the journey of one person and his struggle to gain freedom of body and mind. Winston, a middle aged man lives as most others do, controlled by the supreme leader known as "Big Brother" and the political party supporting him. The party is powerful enough to control the past and therefore shape and create the future. As a lower level employee for the Ministry of Truth, (one of three regions in the party) Winston is required to rewrite articles and printings which contradict any declarations made by the party. While he knows that he is indeed rewriting the past, he is only slowly coming to the realization that the party and "Big Brother" are merely seeking power and supremacy. This is an amazing story which kept me hooked right from the beginning. Orwell has seen into the future of our society and shown us what our world could be like when a government has too much power. You are able to jump into Winston's mind and begin to feel the same hatred and resentment towards Big Brother as he does. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy a crazy story with many ups and downs that literally keeps you guessing until the last sentence. Remember, Big Brother is watching you!