The Ministry of Truth

The Biography of George Orwell's 1984

By: Dorian Lynskey

Narrated by: Andrew Wincott

"Rich and compelling. . .Lynskey’s account of the reach of 1984 is revelatory.”
--George Packer, The Atlantic

An authoritative, wide-ranging, and incredibly timely history of 1984--its literary sources, its composition by Orwell, its deep and lasting effect on the Cold War, and its vast influence throughout world culture at every level, from high to pop.

1984 isn't just a novel; it's a key to understanding the modern world. George Orwell's final work is a treasure chest of ideas and memes--Big Brother, the Thought Police, Doublethink, Newspeak, 2+2=5--that gain potency with every year. Particularly in 2016, when the election of Donald Trump made it a bestseller ("Ministry of Alternative Facts," anyone?). Its influence has morphed endlessly into novels (The Handmaid's Tale), films (Brazil), television shows (V for Vendetta), rock albums (Diamond Dogs), commercials (Apple), even reality TV (Big Brother). The Ministry of Truth is the first book that fully examines the epochal and cultural event that is 1984 in all its aspects: its roots in the utopian and dystopian literature that preceded it; the personal experiences in wartime Great Britain that Orwell drew on as he struggled to finish his masterpiece in his dying days; and the political and cultural phenomena that the novel ignited at once upon publication and that far from subsiding, have only grown over the decades. It explains how fiction history informs fiction and how fiction explains history.

perspective of books that influenced Blair

Lyndsey ties the books perceived success to the present day film, and events. created a new dimension of the books targeted intent

Definitely will listen again!

Dorian Lynskey has written a phenomenal biography of the book 1984 and Orwell's life , work, and the influences that affected his thinking and creation. It is interesting the life the book has had since the publication and Orwell's death and the arguments it continues. This book is certainly one that I will listen to again and revisit some of the other books and authors discussed.

Strong Analysis of Orwell

This book is definitely worth reading as its analysis of the sources and thinking behind 1984, as well as the book’s influence on and relevance to our world today, is illuminating and thought-provoking.

However, the reader’s rendition of the book is less than optimal, for he reads it with an annoying “conspiratorial” voice that quickly becomes tiresome.

Required Reading

This is an intelligent look at the history of dystopian literature using "1984" as an anchor. It traces the history of such literature with attention to the writers. Part Two presents the effects of " 1984" after the death of George Orwell. It refrains from hysterical interpretations but serves as a warning to not let this happen.

As timely now as when it was written

The book keeps your attention from start to end, educating and warning about the dangers of complacency, of trading freedom for security. Excellent analysis with historic context and biographical details of, as writer frames it, of the book and also its author.