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The Theory and Pratice of Oligarchical Collectivism, more often simply refered as "Goldstein's Book", was a fictional book, published by Emmanuel Goldstein, on George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984. It was a fundamental reading for the ones who would enter Goldenstein's Brotherhood, a secret organisation who was supposely crimminal and against the totalitary Party of the Big Brother.

Background[]

The protagonist of George Orwell's novel 1984, Winston Smith, secretly hates the Party and Big Brother. Eventually, he approaches O’Brien, a high-level member of the Inner Party, believing him part of the Brotherhood, Goldstein's conspiracy against the all-mighty nation of Oceania, Big Brother, and the Party. Initially, he appears as such, especially in giving Winston a copy of Goldstein’s illegal book, which O’Brien says reveals the true, totalitarian nature of the society the Party established in Oceania: Full membership to the Brotherhood requires reading and knowing The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, the true title of "the book". When alone in the room above Mr. Charrington's shop, Winston examines the book, before reading it, that it was a heavy black volume, amateurishly bound, with no name or title on the cover. The print also looked slightly irregular. The pages were worn at the edges, and fell apart easily, as though the book had passed through many hands. The inscription on the title-page ran "The Theory and Pratice of Oligarchical Collectivism By Emanuel Goldstein".

Contents[]

During the book, Winston reads the first and the third chapter of Goldstein's Book, called "Ignorance is Strenght" and "War is Peace", (Both slogans of Bigh Brother's Party) respectively. Winston never has opportunity to finish reading The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism, and learn the "Why?" of Oceania and the world order in 1984.

Sources[]

The Theory and Pratice of Oligarchical Collectivism on Wikipedia .

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