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The Gulag Archipelago 1918–1956,
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Joy Derenthal
In the author's own words, "I gratefully accepted Professor Ericson's suggestion to create a one-volume abridgement of my three-volume work, The Gulag Archipelago, in order to facilitate its reading for those who do not have much time in this hectic century of ours."
The abridged version is still a monumental work, and well worth reading in its own right. I don't think it is any kind of insult to the author to read this edition. The only insult would be to hold what Solzhenitsyn called "this fallacious belief: 'It would not be the same here; here such things are impossible.'" It is better to learn the lessons than not, whither they come from.
The abridged version is still a monumental work, and well worth reading in its own right. I don't think it is any kind of insult to the author to read this edition. The only insult would be to hold what Solzhenitsyn called "this fallacious belief: 'It would not be the same here; here such things are impossible.'" It is better to learn the lessons than not, whither they come from.
Joe Warren
Read the whole thing. Anything else is like reading an abridged version of the Bible.
Darrin
I’m struggling with the same question. I want to read it. I’d prefer the abridged version if everything most important is included. I also don’t want to miss anything necessary however, so I’m vacillating between which would be better and can’t find a clear answer. Even here. Two contradictory answers.
The 50th anniversary edition with a forward by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson will be out soon and that is an abridged version. Given how much Peterson strongly encourages people to read this book it makes me wonder if the abridged version is just fine since he wrote a forward to it.
The 50th anniversary edition with a forward by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson will be out soon and that is an abridged version. Given how much Peterson strongly encourages people to read this book it makes me wonder if the abridged version is just fine since he wrote a forward to it.
Greg Sergienko
IMO, if you're thinking about multiple reads, go with the full version. If you think you're likely only to read one volume, reading the volume is much better than reading nothing.
Madelaine Dickie
Absolutely the whole lot. It's fabulous x
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