Books

London: Secker & Warburg, 1949. FIRST EDITION. 192 x 125 mm. (7 1/2 x 5"). 312 pp. DRAMATIC BLACK MOROCCO WITH INLAID DESIGN, covers with central panel dominated by the all-seeing eye of Big Brother inlaid in vellum, green, and black on a background mosaic of geometrical compartments in shades of red, the eye radiating gilt rays, four more "eyes" peering at the central eye from each corner, raised bands, spine panels with gilt fleuron at center, two red morocco labels, marbled endpapers, rear pastedown with binder's leather label dated 2022 and with a tree-like design that may include the initials :"J I." ◆Pristine text in a new binding. Orwell's classic dystopian novel is offered here in a memorable binding that plays homage to one of the story's most infamous motifs. The modern design features two perpetually open eyes, which can be fully appreciated when the binding is completely open and the covers are seen side by side. Alert and unflinching, the eyes look directly…

"1984" is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society ruled by a party led by the enigmatic figure, Big Brother. The story revolves around Winston Smith, a disillusioned man working for the Party whose job involves altering historical records to align with the Party's propaganda. Winston secretly harbors dissenting thoughts against the oppressive regime and begins a forbidden love affair with Julia, a fellow rebel. As they engage in acts of rebellion and attempt to challenge the Party's control, they are drawn into a web of surveillance, manipulation, and betrayal. The novel explores themes of censorship, surveillance, the nature of truth, the dangers of totalitarianism, and the resilience of the human spirit against oppressive regimes.

The first edition can be identified by the publisher Secker & Warburg and the publication date of 8 June 1949, as well as the absence of a dust jacket that later variation contained. The first edition was published in both RED and GREEN jackets at the same time. It is considered that the red jacket is the more collectible as it was seemingly printed in a smaller quantity than the green jacket.