[Item #4741] The Gulag Archipelago (with: Original Promotional Button). Alexander Solzhenitsyn.
The Gulag Archipelago (with: Original Promotional Button)
The Gulag Archipelago (with: Original Promotional Button)
The Gulag Archipelago (with: Original Promotional Button)
The Gulag Archipelago (with: Original Promotional Button)
The Gulag Archipelago (with: Original Promotional Button)

The Gulag Archipelago (with: Original Promotional Button)

ISBN: 0060803320
New York, NY: Harper & Row, 1975. First Trade Softcover Edition. Softcover. "It is a matter of pure historical fact that 'The Gulag Archipelago' played a primary role in bringing the Soviet Empire to its knees. Although economically unsustainable, ruled in the most corrupt manner imaginable, and reliant on the slavery and enforced deceit of its citizens, the Soviet system managed to stumble forward through far too many decades before being cut to the quick....It was Solzhenitsyn, however, whose revelations made it positively shameful to defend not just the Soviet state, but the very system of thought that made the state what it was. It was Solzhenitsyn who most crucially made the case that the terrible excesses of Communism could not be conveniently blamed on the corruption of the Soviet leadership, the "cult of personality" surrounding Stalin... It was Solzhenitsyn who demonstrated that the death of millions and the devastation of many more were, instead of a direct causal consequence of the philosophy (worse, perhaps: the theology) driving the Communist system." (from Introduction to the 2018 Penguin UK Softcover Edition of The Gulag Archipelago by leading intellectual & political commentator, Jordan Peterson). While one typically strains for commendatory things to be said about Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an 2009 exchange with Natalia Reshetovskaya, Solzhenitsyn's first wife, Putin called the book "much-needed." For her part, though, Reshetovskaya--perhaps infected with the trademark bitterness of a jaded ex--told a newspaper in 1974 that the significance of 'The Gulag Archipelago' had been "...overestimated and wrongly appraised." Unfortunately, it is our understanding that Reshetovskaya created the abridged version now read by Russian high school students. We at Third Mind Books, however, are proud to offer Solzhenitsyn's defining work, "...the book which brought down an empire..." in the First Trade Softcover Edition (as indicated by copyright page) in the original form approved by Solzhenitsyn. As the listing title states, this lot also comes with a promotional button issued contemporaneously with The Gulag Archipelago, featuring the cover art by Sidney Feinberg. Thanks to a group of groundbreaking contemporary intellectuals influenced by Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1919-2008)—including the UK-based, Ukrainian-born co-host of the explosive Triggernometry Podcast, Konstantin Kisin and Psychologist-Philosopher-Author Jordan Peterson)—Solzhenitsyn’s staggering contributions are by turns enlightening and terrifying a new generation of readers. Ever in need of revisiting, Solzhenitsyn’s harrowing tales of famine, state-sponsored repression and the will to go on in the face of it all will continue to enjoy distinguished historical and moral relevance. Book in near fine condition with moderate rubbing to front, back covers; small instances of chipping, bumps & scuffs to same, inc. at corners; vertical creases from a thorough, astute reading running along length of spine; typical yellowing and age-toning to pages, common to trade softcovers of the period. Near Fine. [Item #4741]

Price: $65.00