Nineteen Eighty-Four

1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell that was completed in difficult conditions shortly before his early death. It is one of the most influential and widely-read novels of the post-war period, and has been a huge international bestseller over many decades. It is a realist novel that is also akin to a work of science fiction, a dystopia, or a satire. It contains prophetic dreams and a central character who thinks of himself as a monster, a ghost, and already dead.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

"1984" is a groundbreaking novel by George Orwell, published in 1949. It is considered one of the most influential and widely-read works of the post-war era, selling millions of copies worldwide. The book has been in continuous print for decades and has sparked controversy and debate in both its immediate Cold War context and in subsequent history. While it can be classified as a realist novel, it also exhibits elements of science fiction, dystopia, and satire. The novel is rich in horror and terror, featuring prophetic dreams and a central character who grapples with notions of monstrosity, haunting, and mortality. It shares similarities with other iconic works such as "Frankenstein" and "Dracula," exploring the power of documentary remnants addressed to an unknown reader.

The novel's setting is a dystopian future, where the government has complete control over the lives of its citizens. The protagonist, Winston Smith, is a low-ranking member of the Party, a ruling organization that seeks to maintain power and control through constant surveillance, propaganda, and manipulation. Winston's job is to rewrite past newspaper articles to align with the Party's ideology, a task that involves constant self-censorship and the suppression of independent thought.

One of the central themes of "1984" is the erosion of individual freedom and autonomy. The government employs various techniques to control its citizens, including the Thought Police, a secret police force that monitors and persecutes anyone who expresses dissent or opposition. The concept of "Big Brother," a ubiquitous figure who is portrayed as an all-seeing and all-knowing leader, symbolizes the government's totalitarian control over the population.

Another important theme in "1984" is the power of propaganda and the manipulation of information. The Party uses propaganda to control the thoughts and actions of its citizens, promoting the idea that individual freedom is a dangerous illusion and that the Party is the only entity that can provide security and stability. The government also employs doublethink, a cognitive technique that allows people to accept two contradictory statements as true simultaneously.

The novel also explores the concept of love and relationships in a totalitarian society. Winston's love for Julia, a fellow Party member, is a forbidden love that symbolizes the resistance against the government's control. However, their relationship is fraught with danger and uncertainty, as the Thought Police are constantly monitoring their activities.

"1984" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of themes such as government control, propaganda, individual freedom, and the nature of love and relationships is relevant and important in our contemporary world. The novel's enduring popularity is a testament to its timelessness and its ability to challenge our assumptions and perceptions of reality.

In conclusion, "1984" is a masterpiece of literature that has left an indelible mark on the world. Its exploration of themes such as government control, propaganda, individual freedom, and the nature of love and relationships is relevant and important in our contemporary world. The novel's enduring popularity is a testament to its timelessness and its ability to challenge our assumptions and perceptions of reality."

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 130 x 196 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198829195