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About this Book

Trade Paperback

268 Pages, 5.22 x 6.56 x 0.9 IN

July 1, 1950

Signet Book


0451524934
9780451524935

From Our Editors

Satire on the possible horrors of a totalitarian regime in England in 1984.

From the Publisher

1984 has come and gone, but George Orwell''s prophetic, nightmare vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is timelier than ever. "1984" is still the great modern classic "negative Utopia" - a startling original and haunting novel that creates an imaginary world that is completely convincing from the first sentence to the last four words. No one can deny this novel''s power, its hold on the imagination of whole generations, or the power of its admonitions - a power that seems to grow, not lessen, with the passage of time.

About the Author

George Orwell was born Eric Hugh Blair in 1903 in Motihari in Bengal, India and later studied at Eton for four years. Orwell was an assistant superintendent with the Indian Imperial Police in Burma. He left the position after five years and then moved to Paris, where he wrote his first two books, Burmese Days and Down and Out In Paris. Orwell then moved to Spain to write but decided to join the United Workers Marxist Party Militia. After being decidedly opposed to communism, Orwell served in the British Home Guard and with the Indian Service of the BBC during World War II. He started writing for the Observer and was literary editor for the Tribune. Soon after he published the world-famous book, Animal Farm, which became a huge success for Orwell. It was then towards the end of his life when Orwell wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four. George Orwell died on January 23, 1950 in London.

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From The Community

Who's Listing it as a Top TenWhat's this?

This title has appeared in 92 Top Ten lists. See the most recent lists below:

Who's BloggingWhat's this?

This title has been mentioned in 4 blogs. See the most recent posts below:

4

Reviews from the Community57 Reviews

  • LaurenA

    LaurenA

    • 3 people found this helpful

    So real... 4

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    9 months ago

    This story seems so real; I just couldn't put it down! When reading the book I found myself moving in and out of reality - it was kind of scary how deep I got into it but it was definiely worth reading.

  • Aaron Falkenberg

    Aaron Falkenberg

    • 3 people found this helpful

    A Brief Criticism of 1984 4

    This review is from: 20th Century Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    George Orwell’s 1984 is an astonishing reflection of the goals that the regimes of the early, and late 1940’s possessed. The fascist and communist governments of the past, and some today, threaten everything that is held important; from natural human emotion, to higher intellectual development, the likes of which are clearly portrayed in Orwell’s novel. The world of 1984 is an accurate representation of life under the harsh control of a totalitarian government. From forced participation… read more

  • Gabriel J Hogan

    Gabriel J Hogan

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Totalitarianism at its finest 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty Four (Audio Book (Cassette))

    9 years ago

    (1984)-
    Is a compelling book to read. You get so entangled in the main characters life that you are at the edge of your seat. (1984) is a book you won't be able to put down. This one will definitely deprave sleep. :)

  • Unknown

    Unknown

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Best Book Ever!!! 5

    This review is from: Modern Classics Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    6 years ago

    I could not wait to read this book because of all the excellent reviews from those who read it. I agree completely with everyone because this book was so ahead of its time. I actually got chills at more than one part of the book. I simply could not put it down and I plan to read it again. read more

  • Aria

    Aria

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Warnings for the Future 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eight-Four (Cloth Text)

    9 years ago

    George Orwell has written many amazing books and has changed his styles of writing for each. But of all his books that I have read 1984 stands out as being so close to what is today and what is planned for our future that when you finish reading it you look at the world in a more critical way. I have to write an essay on this book and there are so many layers to 1984, I'll be here all night! ;)

  • Lorraine (Teen Book Addict)

    Lorraine (Teen Book Addict)

    • Top Book Reviewer
    • 3 people found this helpful

    Big Brother is Watching You! 3

    9 months ago

    This book wasn't that bad. However, even though it didn't appeal to my interests, I still enjoyed it. The book is about how the government is watching everyone and controlling their lives through BIG BROTHER. However, this book is a little bit much in terms of lack of privacy, but you never do know if you are being watched, do you? The main character starts to question his freedom and privacy and falls in love with a woman who is in the same position. Can Big Brother really control you?? Find… read more

  • Charles

    Charles

    • 3 people found this helpful

    Big Brother In North America 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty-Four (Hardcover)

    5 years ago

    Its frightening how George Orwell's society of 1984 is so similiar to our own North American society (both Canada and the U.S.) The novel 1984 is an excellent socio-political work and is more relevant to our so-called western democracies today than it ever was in the past. I give this book 2 thumbs up. read more

  • Paulina

    Paulina

    Review 4

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    2 years ago

    Definitely an interesting look into the potential future of society. Unlike some who have read the book, I do not feel that a totalitarian regime of this type is all that unlikely. In fact, I was startled to realize that there were definite similarities between the Party and the government of George Bush. Here are a few examples (note, if you have not read the book and do not want any specific content revealed, please ignore the following): The second that I heard "victory gin" or "victory… read more

    Comments on this review:
    • Great review. The Book part was way too long that I ended up leaving the book for probably three months if not more since it became so boring and my mind ... read more

      16 months ago

  • Jeanine

    Jeanine

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Makes you think 4

    This review is from: 20th Century Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    I enjoyed this book, but was also disturbed by it. The fact that people are so unaware of what's going on really scared me. George Orwell is a great author who makes you believe you are in another world.

  • Al Maro

    Al Maro

    • 1 person found this helpful

    1984: A look back at tomorrow 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty Four (Audio Book (Cassette))

    10 years ago

    A superb book! 1984 is a superb book that everyone should read! It was a very chilling look at the future

  • Tara Zannella

    Tara Zannella

    • 1 person found this helpful

    The Future Will Result From The Past 5

    This review is from: Modern Classics Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    I read George Orwell's 1984, and I was absolutely astonished at the magnitude of the world's state in his eyes. Even though it was a futuristic novel, I found it relyed heavily on the past for information and just simply exagerated it. By oppressing the people of Oceania, the Party gained power to remain immortal. A brief love affair with Julia makes Winston descover that he is not happy with his life, and that he is not the only one who feels this way. Like he says, it is impossible to… read more

  • Peachy TO

    Peachy TO

    • Most Interesting
    • 2 people found this helpful

    Timeless 5

    12 months ago

    A haunting and tragic tale of a dystopic existence under a totalitarian regime, told by one of the best political writers of our time. This is a classic that is quoted in everyday popular culture, from 'Big Brother' to NewSpeak. It's a timeless work of 'Fiction,' and is a must have for all bookshelves. www.booksnakereviews.blogspot.com

  • Jay

    Jay

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Chilling 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty-Four (Hardcover)

    6 years ago

    Orwell's tale offers one a horrifying glance into absolute power. The ending leaves one feeling utterly helpless and hopeless. The story is a warning, and is one that should be heeded with the greatest of reverence. How far fetched is Orwell's vision? Although Bush and his boys have thrown North Korea into the 'axis of evil' terrorist stew, North Korea's regime is shockingley similar to Orwell's nightmare. Bush may have had different motivations for calling North Korea evil, but the… read more

  • Fantasy Reader4

    Fantasy Reader4

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Worst book i have ever read 1

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    2 years ago

    this has to be the worst book i have ever read.... every single page was boring... and the main character is so whiny and boring too.... the only reason i had to read the whole book was because i read it for school... i will never read this book ever again.

  • Gabby

    Gabby

    • 1 person found this helpful

    George Orwell's 1984 5

    This review is from: 20th Century Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    10 years ago

    I am most fascinated by Orwell's prophecy that the government would control the masses with pornography and support LOW class prostitution!

  • Jayson Go

    Jayson Go

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Oppression & Suppression 5

    This review is from: Modern Classics Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    Whenever I try to picture a perfect world, one with equality and freedom of expression, I try not to think of George Orwell's haunting version of 1984. This version of 1984 is ruled by a Stalin-esque tyrant named Big Brother. I personally have my doubts about whether this cowpoke really exists or not, but that's part of the experience of 1984. This is a book that overcomes you with thoughts of "what if." What would happen if Hitler had won WW2? What would happen if communism had… read more

  • Heaven Larsen

    Heaven Larsen

    • 1 person found this helpful

    A must-read. 4

    15 months ago

    I found it somewhat depressing, but a good read. Ayn Rand's "Anthem" is similar to this, albeit contrarily optimistic. I used to prefer Anthem, but now I prefer 1984, as it is more realistic, whereas Anthem is more idealistic. But aside from comparing it to other works, I consider it a fine must-read for anyone.

    This reviewer also recommends:
  • Liz

    Liz

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Well-written masterpiece 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty-Four (Hardcover)

    6 years ago

    I was told to read this by a friend, however, I kept avoiding it. When I finally got around to reading it, I couldn't put it down. The ending was so surprising, and everything different and new to me. It was creepy thinking about the telescreens, and orwell definitely put some new ideas into my head. read more

  • Alice Hou

    Alice Hou

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Sheer brilliance in a novel! 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    3 years ago

    Is it possible for civilization to become so advanced, that instead of advancing forward, society would have to backtrack? George Orwell certainly believed so. At the end of the 1940s, Orwell could see this conundrum taking place in the very near future; in fact, in 1984. That is exactly what he wrote the book Nineteen Eighty-Four about. In a world where thought is a crime and everyone’s every move is being scrutinized, our protagonist, Winston Smith, is slowly coming to terms with… read more

  • David Gerbasi

    David Gerbasi

    • 1 person found this helpful

    1984 5

    This review is from: 20th Century Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    10 years ago

    This is an excellent book and is one of the best out there! You will not be dissapointed I guarantee it. It opens your eyes to what can happen if we are not careful.

  • Salim Datoo

    Salim Datoo

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Orwell's Gift to You and I 5

    This review is from: Modern Classics Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    Both Animal Farm and 1984 have much deserved places in the annals of the history of English Literature. Both display the wit and subtlety that characterize the "Orwellian" Style. But this book is the true masterpiece, creating identifiable characters in a classic struggle between good and evil. It draws upon those instincts most basic to human nature and turns them on their head, all with an ingenious plot that keeps the reader transfixed on the page. Ninteen Eighty Four is a must read for… read more

  • Samia

    Samia

    • Top DVD Reviewer
    • Most Helpful
    • 4 people found this helpful

    Amazing! 5

    16 months ago

    1984 by George Orwell portrays a dystopian society, set in the United Kingdom, which is ruled by hate. 1984 is easy to understand and kept me interested throughout, except for some pages that are about the book. The ending was amazing and complete, something that I had not imagined would happen, it did not leave me wondering what would. George Orwell was a political writer, and so he wrote 1984 in the year 1948, as his prophetic vision and a warning that "...unless the course of history… read more

  • Mark Torman

    Mark Torman

    • 1 person found this helpful

    A book everyone should read! 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty-Four (Hardcover)

    8 years ago

    I'd like everyone in the world to read this book, George Orwell is and was a genius politically... read it and even compare it to past or present society if you like because you can. It will change

  • Adam

    Adam

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Simply buy it! 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    4 years ago

    George Orwell's 1984 has a truely timeless quality and accordingly captivates generations. His distopia is not set on distant planets or with enforced with far fetched technology (Big Brother), but rather he creates a political spectrum to which, today, we seem to moving towards. Orwell's uses his profound acumen to exam not only our political world and societal values but also the human condition (especailly rebellion). After reading this book once, you will either be thankful you purchased it… read more

  • Katenka Antipova

    Katenka Antipova

    • 1 person found this helpful

    1984 5

    This review is from: 20th Century Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    10 years ago

    This book is yet another example of George Orwell's amazing gift of transporting you right into the moment. The descriptions, the mood, it's all amazing. For a complete description of the world we do live in, read this book. It will open your mind.

  • James Chu

    James Chu

    • 1 person found this helpful

    The Perfect Utopia 5

    This review is from: Modern Classics Nineteen Eighty Four (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    In this great novel George Orwell looks into the discovery of the idea and perfect society. One in which has many rules and rulers. It is a hard fact of life and a scary inhibitor of our own fears. The society is full of hatred, rebellions, and horror stories that are psychologically disturbing. Orwell might have been at his last straw whenn writing this book, but he gives his own idea perceptions about life and human behaviour. He takes one of the worst possible scenarios that could happen… read more

  • Ananda Prematilake

    Ananda Prematilake

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Unbelievable but True ! ! ! 5

    16 months ago

    I recommend this book to anyone no matter how knowledgeable they are at politics. For those who are new to the world of politics this book will be shocking. It might even get you interested in politics. As a citizen I strongly believe that power can be dangerous in the hands of a small group of people. The first time I read this book I did not believe in it but as I thought about it more, things started to change. I started to see the world in a different way. The rest of this review will go… read more

  • Michael Rex

    Michael Rex

    • 1 person found this helpful

    WARNING 5

    This review is from: Nineteen Eighty-Four (Hardcover)

    9 years ago

    DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO THINK A LITTLE DIFFERENT AFTER READING THIS BOOK. I swear it has changed my life. It will give you a new outlook in life, and expand your thinking of society and our world in which we live in. It makes me think, "Why are things like they are?" Everything happens for a reason, and you are able to see a new take on how things have played out and will play out.

see all 57 reviews

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