• 1984

  • New Classic Edition
  • By: George Orwell
  • Narrated by: Simon Prebble
  • Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (56,032 ratings)

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1984  By  cover art

1984

By: George Orwell
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Publisher's summary

Blackstone Publishing presents a new recording of this immensely popular book.

One of the most celebrated classics 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.

George Orwell depicts a gray, totalitarian world dominated by Big Brother and its vast network of agents, including the Thought Police, a world in which news is manufactured according to the authorities’ will and people live tepid lives by rote.

Winston Smith, the hero with no heroic qualities, longs only for truth and decency. But living in a social system in which privacy does not exist and where those with unorthodox ideas are brainwashed or put to death, he knows there is no hope for him. He knows even as he continues to pursue his forbidden love affair that eventually he will come to destruction.

The year 1984 has come and gone, yet George Orwell’s nightmare vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is still the great modern classic of negative Utopia. It is a prophetic and haunting tale that exposes the worst crimes imaginable: the destruction of freedom and truth.

©1949 Harcourt Brace and Company, renewed 1977 Sonia Brownell Orwell (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

  • Nominee, 2008 Audie Award, Classic

"It is probable that no other work of this generation has made us desire freedom more earnestly or loathe tyranny with such fullness." (New York Times, 1949)

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What listeners say about 1984

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must read!

this book is a must read. it gives a clear understanding of socialist goals and methods.

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He really predicted it

It’s not just that big Brother is watching, it’s the total subversion of personal will through the corruption of words in denial of self determinism. After listening to this book I can see it happening right now in the United States

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thought provoking

this is not a simple listen. its very thought provoking. its hard to believe this was writen in the 50s. it makes you stop and think how our country has become what it is. and thankful it's not like the book. it does make you stop and think about our country. im thankful for my retired military family who has helped keep our country independent and free.

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I tried to listen

So much is said about this book but i’ve never read it. i decided to try to listen but it is just

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Superb performance!

Beautiful narration - very immersive and enjoyable! Also, powerful and impactful content. I was shocked and saddened and moved.

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Absolutely wonderful voice talent!

I work full time and run a small business so I don't have time to read. I am thrilled that I was able to listen to this while at work. I first read 1984 when I was a teen. Two decades later, it is just as astounding and relevant and maybe even more so. The voice actor who read this was so wonderful! I especially enjoyed all the different accents. You are truly talented, sir. Thank you for bringing this story to life for me.

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who controls the past, controls the future

it's a wonderful book, not really my cup of tea though. I believe everyone should at least read it once. I felt anxious throughout, and found myself worried that we might one day find ourselves living in a similar society. it's truly depressing the way the story plays out, but I couldn't stop listening. A reminder to not so easily give up the freedoms we take for granted everyday.

the narration lacked something, although I'm not witty enough to describe what that something was.

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The direction the US is headed in

Every day we get a step closer to living in the society described in this book.

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One I should have read a long time ago!

I loved the fact that this was written way before 1984. His picture of what the future is supposed to be. Scary how close he is to describing the present! Narrator was fantastic. No spoliers here listen to it or read. Must read. I'm even listening to it again!

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pretty scary how close it is to today

From thought crimes to mandatory new words, it's totally conceivable this is the extreme version of the left's ideology to it's final end.

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