Orwell’s final novel, 1984, is the story of one man’s struggle against the ubiquitous, menacing state power (“Big Brother”) that tries to dictate nearly every aspect of human life. The novel is a classic in anti-utopian fiction, and a trenchant political satire that remains as relevant today as when it was first published.
Annotation

Examines different aspects of Orwell’s anti-utopian classic, with a biographical sketch of the author and critical essays on this work.
Books of the Century; New York Times review, June 1949 – Mark Schorer

It is probable that no other work of this generation has made us desire freedom more earnestly or loathe tyranny with such fullness. 1984, the most contemporary novel of the year and who knows of now many past and to come, is a great examination into and dramatization of Lord Acton’s famous apothegm, " power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrups absolutely. "

“He gazed up at the enormous face. Forty years it had taken him to learn what kind of smile was
hidden beneath the dark moustache. O cruel, needless misunderstanding! O stubborn, self-willed
exile from the loving breast! Two gin-scented tears trickled down the sides of his nose. But it was
all right, everything was all right, the struggle was finished. He had won the victory over himself.
He loved Big Brother.”