This will be my first time reading 1984. I read Animal Farm in high school while the other English classes got to read about Big Brother, the Ministry of Truth, and doublethink.
What edition of 1984 should I read?
I found these two recent printings, but wonder if I should seek out a vintage copy instead:
- 1984: 75th Anniversary [Signet]
– ISBN-13: 9780451524935 / ISBN-10: 0451524934
- Nineteen Eighty-Four: 1984 [Macmillan Collector’s Library]
– ISN-13: 9781529032666 / ISBN-10: 1529032660
by Batty_Belfry
6 Comments
The text itself is the same, so it really comes down to readability and extras. A clean modern printing is usually easier on the eyes and less distracting for a first read. Vintage copies are nice objects, but they can pull focus if the print or paper is rough. I would save a collectible edition for a reread if the book sticks with you.
I mean, that’s completely up to you…. The words are the same. I collect, so I always try to find a hardcover and/or a cool version to display and appreciate.
It’s not necessary to worry about this, unless you want a nice physical copy. It’s one of the easiest, most available books in existence, just pick anything you can find.
I think they’re all the exact same text, but with different cover art / introductions / etc. Possibly footnotes. So it shouldn’t really matter, you can read whatever edition is easiest to find or least expensive.*
* least expensive = check your local library for a copy
Irrelevant to your question, but there’s a book called Julia by Sandra Newman that follows one of the characters in 1984 from her perspective. I enjoyed it after reading 1984.
Borrow your copy from your local library because keeping information open and free to the public is the true revolution.