1984 is a work of political prophecy that continues to grow more haunting as it becomes more real with every passing day. Published seventy years ago, English political satirist George Orwell's dystopian tale is a critique of the existing political structures of the time, and is a warning against totalitarianism, and what the world would be without the freedom to think. It is now considered to be one of the most significant books of all time.
The novel tells the story of Winston Smith, who lives in a society that follows a totalitarian ideology propagated by The Party. In this repressive world, Big Brother controls everything, telescreens see everything, police helicopters circle overhead all the time, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal, the Ministry of Love deals with pain and despair, the Ministry of Peace wages war and dissent-even in the mind is not tolerated. Despite all this, in his longing for truth and liberty, Smith begins a secret love affair with a fellow-worker Julia, but soon discovers that the true price of freedom is betrayal.
The terrifying glimpse into a future that Orwell gives us in 1984, where everyone is a slave to a tyrannical regime has made it perhaps one of the most influential books of the 20th century.
This special edition celebrates the 70th anniversary of this timeless masterpiece.