Animal Farm

By: George Orwell

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 3 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

George Orwell's classic satire of the Russian Revolution is an intimate part of our contemporary culture, quoted so often that we tend to forget who wrote the original words. It is an account of the bold struggle that transforms Mr. Jones' Manor Farm into Animal Farm, a wholly democratic society built on the credo that All Animals Are Created Equal. Out of their cleverness, the pigs Napoleon, Squealer, and Snowball emerge as leaders of the new community in a subtle evolution that bears an insidious familiarity. The climax is the brutal betrayal of the faithful horse Boxer, when totalitarian rule is re-established with the bloodstained postscript to the founding slogan: But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others.

To supplement the full text version of George Orwell's Animal Farm, listen to the SparkNotes Guide for Animal Farm.

©1946 Harcourt Brace and Jovanich, Inc. (P)1991 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A wise, compassionate, and illuminating fable of our times....The steadiness and lucidity of Orwell's merciless wit are reminiscent of Anatole France and even of Swift." (The New York Times Book Review)

history of mankind

as you go on listening to the book, you realise it has been the one true story of mankind. the history in USA, in Europe, in Asia, all the monarch, all the dictatorships and all the democracy may I say had gone through the same path. it amazing to relate those behavior of pigs and animals to what had and is happening now. the book gives a great perspective. awesomely read too.

Short and to the point

George Orwell defiantly knows his stuff. This book is a very important piece to read. It teaches people what to look out for in times of trouble. I enjoyed it very much.

excellent book

It's a classic- everyone need to listen to this! it's easy to listen to and very enlightening.

Something to remember

I like that it was short and to the point. As always history continues to repeat itself. Those at the top will never cease in controlling those beneath them with manipulation and fear mongering.

Really great classic novel

This title is great because of it's historical significance. It represents many of the failings associated with communism at the time, and should be read/listened to because of that.

Short, but great.

Excellent anti socialist story in a barnyard setting. Must read for any conservative thinker. I loved it.

Great

Yes ! Amazing so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so so amazing used it for school

Great performance of a powerful classic

This story about the slow, steady, insidious rise of fascism in a society of well-intentioned animals should be required reading/listening for everyone. The book is an allegory for the Russian Revolution, but it captures the essence of fascism in every society. Ralph Cosham brings Orwell’s language brilliantly and devastatingly to life. #classic #fiction #allegory #fascism #communism #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Great

I enjoyed the reading of this. For me I wanted something not too long and the story was so interesting. I recommend reading 1984 if you enjoyed this.

Was it a Prequel or is it a Sequel of our times?

If you could sum up Animal Farm in three words, what would they be?

Benjamin was right

What did you like best about this story?

It portrayed the characters as real life beings. It presented a totalitarian regime very honestly and did so in an entertaining fashion. Had it not been so realistic, I might have been able to take it more lightly, but as it was written, having lived through a communist revolution, I can see where all of the characters were present and necessary in real life. At the risk of being redundant, George Orwell was more of a visionary than a writer. A great work of literature.

What does Ralph Cosham bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

You close your eyes and you and see Major, Squealer, Napoleon, Clover, Benjamin, the sheep, etc. far better than the later movie version of the book. His elocution was near perfect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

They did, and it failed miserably, mostly because I believe it was trying to be politically correct.

Any additional comments?

A must read (or listen) for all. I can see where as this book was mandatory reading in grade school (for me), more than likely it would not be mandatory now... or might even be banned. Parents need to inform their children that such risks do exist, that the world is full of potential Majors, Napoleons and Squealers, and as such they must be vigilant.