Animal Farm Author:George Orwell Purchase one of 1st World Library's Classic Books and help support our free internet library of downloadable eBooks. Visit us online at www.1stWorldLibrary.ORG - - Mr. Jones, of the Manor Farm, had locked the henhouses for the night, but was too drunk to remember to shut the pop-holes. With the ring of light from his lantern dancing from s... more »ide to side, he lurched across the yard, kicked off his boots at the back door, drew himself a last glass of beer from the barrel in the scullery, and made his way up to bed, where Mrs. Jones was already snoring. As soon as the light in the bedroom went out there was a stirring and a fluttering all through the farm buildings. Word had gone round during the day that old Major, the prize Middle White boar, had had a strange dream on the previous night and wished to communicate it to the other animals. It had been agreed that they should all meet in the big barn as soon as Mr. Jones was safely out of the way. Old Major (so he was always called, though the name under which he had been exhibited was Willingdon Beauty) was so highly regarded on the farm that everyone was quite ready to lose an hour's sleep in order to hear what he had to say.« less
Fantastic, quick read and one of those books everyone "should" read at some point. Orwell makes you think and it really is spooky how some of the themes in this book echo what is going on in the world today.
One of my all time favorite books. A great read and a bit 'scary" to think that it was written 80 years ago and yet is so contemporary in the 21st century.
This is a classic that I had been meaning to read for years. Orwell uses animals on a farm as an allegory for slavery, and as the animals become self-governing, you realize they are not much better off -- although many of the animals think they are in a much better situation.
If you are looking for a fairy tale ending, you'll want to skip this; it is dark and a little depressing. However, if you want something to make you think about human interactions and our perceptions, this book has stood the test of time for a reason. The book is well written, although some of the primary characters are quite 1-dimenensional (on purpose), and the book moves along at a nice pace.
This is definitely one to read twice to pick up some of the nuances.
I was actually rather impressed with this book. It has an interesting characters and an interesting plot. To me, however, the best part was the underlying historical significance of the Russian revolution and the beginning of Communism. The story itself with the main characters being animals is a little awkward, by still good nonetheless.
We studied this book in my lit class junior year, I absolutely loved it. It's not something I would have picked up on my own, but I'm really glad it was on our required reading list.
Powerful fable. The edition includes some helpful insight into Orwell's perspectives and experience as well: committed socialist who was disillusioned with the way the Soviets played communism out. It is well worth reading as a reminder of the fallibility of people in power.
This book has been described as a masterpiece.. a view of the future. A devastating attack on the pig-headed gluttonous and avaricious rulers in an imaginary totalitatian state. It illuminates the range of human experience from love to hate, from comedy to tradegy.
This remarkable book has been described in many ways as a masterpiece...a fairy story ...a brilliant satire...a frightening view of the future. A devastating attack on the pig-headed, gluttonous and avaricious rulers in an imaginary totalitarian state, it illuminates the range of human experience from love to have, from comedy to tragedy.
