Nineteen Eighty-Four: A 1984 Novel [Fourth UK Impression in Original Green Wrapper] by Orwell, George - 1950

7 John Street, Bloomsbury, London : Martin Secker & Warburg, Limited , 1950. Rare first edition, fourth impression in original matching wrapper. Stated at copyright: "First published 1949, Reprinted 1950, Reprinted 1950, Reset 1950". Matches first printing in overall book and wrapper design, coloring, and size. Light green full-cloth boards, crisp red impressed spine titles, light shelf wear, toning. Pages near fine, bright; no writing. Deep mauve top-stain. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Dark green dust wrapper, moderate edge wear, rub; unclipped 10s. net to back flap, protected in fine clear sleeve. At back flap, stated Fourth Impression, jacket design by Michael Kennard and the original summary of this title. Front flap replaces Bertrand Russell statement with The Works of George Orwell. Back panel replaces Works of Orwell, with statement that he died suddenly in London in the winter of 1949-50; followed by brief statements of tribute from Arthur Koestler, The Observer, The Times, Manchester Guardian, and Daily Telegraph. Rare near fine early impression in near very good wrapper. Eric Arthur Blair (25 June 1903 - 21 January 1950) known as George Orwell, composed this narrative message in 1948 and juxtaposed the numbers to 1984 as its time and place. The novel was first published in 1949 and he would pass the following January of 1950 at the age of 46. 1984 is the year in which it happened! The world is divided into three great powers, Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia, each perpetually at war. Britain is part of Oceania and is known as Airstrip 1. Throughout Oceania, The Party rules through four ministries, whose power is absolute. The Ministry of Peace deals with war, the Ministry of Love, seat of the dreaded Thought Police, handles 'law and order,' the Ministry of Plenty deals in scarcities, and the Ministry of Truth doles out the propaganda. 'New-speak' is the 'modern' perversion of language ordained by the Party. It has installed such remarkable words as double-think (duplicitousness), thought-crime, and sex-crime or 'love' in standard English. In every room, a tele-screen is installed, which can never be switched off, and where 'authorities' spy on every action, word, gesture, and thought. On every hoarding a huge face is displayed - the face of Big Brother! Set within this nightmare is the drama of Winston Smith, possibly the last man alive to rebel against the Party's rule and doctrine, clinging to the belief in the individual and in those precious human feelings and values. With flawless craftsmanship, ingenuity and narrative power Mr. Orwell lays out a terrifying potential future. The love of Winston for the amorous and independent Julia, and the fate that befalls them, stirs the reader's emotions as the cautionary tale paces to a tremendous climax. When Mr. Orwell's 'Animal Farm' was published three years prior, critics hailed him as a new Jonathan Swift. The satirical passages in '1984' justify the critics' verdict. But, presented here is much more than satire. Bertrand Russell: "...1984 depicts with great power the horrors of a totalitarian regime. It is important the western world is aware of these dangers, and not only in the narrow form of (Communist) Russia. Mr. Orwell contributes to this important purpose with skill and a force of imagination. I hope it will be widely read." Printed in Great Britain by The Alcuin Press, Welwyn Garden City, and bound by Key & Whiting Ltd., London. 318 pages. Insured post.. First Edition Thus. Hard Cover. Fine/Very Good. Illus. by Kennar, Michael (Wrapper Design). 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Book.