Franklin Library: GEORGE ORWELL: ANIMAL FARM: 1984: BIG BROTHER

Description: Franklin Library leather edition of George Orwell's "Animal Farm and 1984," a Limited Edition, Illustrated by Margaret Cusack, one of the COLLECTED STORIES OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST WRITERS series, published in 1978. Bound in brown leather, the book has moire silk end leaves, a satin book marker, acid-free paper, Symth-sewn binding, hubbed spine, acid-free paper, gold gilding on three edges---in near FINE Condition. George Orwell, who was born ERIC BLAIR, lived from 1903-1950. "1984" is an amazing foretelling of things to come in a negative Utopia. Orwell introduces us to "Big Brother," "Thought Police," "doublethink," and a controlled world where WINSTON SMITH is betrayed by JULIA, a vivacious member of the Party's "Fiction Department." Orwell chose the date by reversing 1948. "Animal Farm " is an allegorical novella, first published in 1945. The poorly-run Manor Farm near Willingdon, England, is ripened for rebellion from its animal populace by neglect at the hands of the irresponsible and alcoholic farmer Mr. Jones. One night, the exalted boar, OLD MAJOR, organizes a meeting, at which he calls for the overthrow of humans and teaches the animals a revolutionary song called "BEASTS OF ENGLAND." When Old Major dies, two young pigs, SNOWBALL and NAPOLEON, assume command and stage a revolt, driving Mr. Jones off the farm and renaming the property "Animal Farm." They adopt the Seven Commandments of Animalism, the most important of which is, "All animals are equal," but eventually the slogan is modified to read: "All animals are equals---but some are more equal than others"---in small print. The decree is painted in large letters on one side of the barn. Snowball teaches the animals to read and write, while Napoleon educates young puppies on the principles of Annimalism. Food is plentiful, and the farm runs smoothly. The pigs elevate themselves to positions of leadership and set aside special food items, ostensibly for their personal health. Following an unsuccessful attempt by Mr. Jones and his associates to retake the farm (later dubbed the "Battle of the Cowshed"), Snowball announces his plans to modernize the farm by building a windmill. Napoleon argues against this idea, and matters come to head, which culminate in Napoleon's dogs chasing Snowball away and Napoleon declaring himself supreme commander. Napoleon enacts changes to the governance structure of the farm, replacing meetings with a committee of pigs who will run the farm. Through a young pig named SQUEALER, Napoleon claims credit for the windmill idea, claiming that Snowball actually was only trying to win animals to his side. The animals work harder with the promise of easier lives with the windmill. When the animals find the windmill collapsed after a violent storm, Napoleon and Squealer convince the animals that Snowball is trying to sabotage their project and begin to purge the farm of animals Napoleon accuses of consorting with his old rival. Despite their hardships, the animals are easily placated by Napoleon's retort that they are better off than they were under Mr. Jones, as well as by the sheep's chant of “four legs good, two legs bad.” Years pass, the windmill is rebuilt, and another windmill is constructed, which makes the farm a good amount of income. The pigs start to resemble humans, as they walk upright, carry whips, drink alcohol, and wear clothes. The Seven Commandments are abridged to just one phrase: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." The maxim "Four legs good, two legs bad" is changed to "Four legs good, two legs better." The novel is meant to reflect the rise of Communism after the Russian Revolution of 1917. 372 pages----two fine novels. I offer Combined shipping.

Price: 124.95 USD

Location: Walnut Ridge, Arkansas

End Time: 2024-12-04T13:57:34.000Z

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