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The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956

By: Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn
Narrated by: Ignat Solzhenitsyn
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Publisher's summary

"Best Nonfiction Book of the 20th Century" (Time)

“It is impossible to name a book that had a greater effect on the political and moral consciousness of the late 20th century.” (David Remnick, The New Yorker)

The Nobel Prize winner’s towering masterpiece of world literature, the searing record of four decades of terror and oppression, in one abridged volume (authorized by the author). Features a new foreword by Anne Applebaum.

Drawing on his own experiences before, during, and after his 11 years of incarceration and exile, on evidence provided by more than 200 fellow prisoners, and on Soviet archives, Solzhenitsyn reveals with torrential narrative and dramatic power the entire apparatus of Soviet repression, the state within the state that once ruled all-powerfully with its creation by Lenin in 1918. Through truly Shakespearean portraits of its victims - this man, that woman, that child - we encounter the secret police operations, the labor camps and prisons, the uprooting or extermination of whole populations, the “welcome” that awaited Russian soldiers who had been German prisoners of war. Yet we also witness astounding moral courage, the incorruptibility with which the occasional individual or a few scattered groups, all defenseless, endured brutality and degradation. And Solzhenitsyn’s genius has transmuted this grisly indictment into a literary miracle.

“The greatest and most powerful single indictment of a political regime ever leveled in modern times.” (George F. Kennan)

“Solzhenitsyn’s masterpiece.... The Gulag Archipelago helped create the world we live in today.” (Anne Applebaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Gulag: A History, from the foreword)

©2007 Aleksandr I. Solzhenitsyn (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers
  • Abridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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Featured Article: Essential Russian Authors to Know in Audio


Don’t be daunted by the towering reputations of Russia’s literary giants. Listening is the perfect way to appreciate the masters. Russia is a sprawling country with a rich and complex history, which is reflected in its literature. Whether you’re keen on brushing up on classic Russian literature or you want to find a new author to explore, we’ve rounded up 13 of the best Russian authors, classic and contemporary, whose work you should know.

What listeners say about The Gulag Archipelago 1918-1956

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Amazing

Instant mind blow from beginning to end. Unspeakable horrors, yet we have so much to learn from their stories.

This book should be required reading for all US high schoolers, as I heard it is in much of Russia today.

Americans could learn a lot and save ourselves great suffering if we heed the final words of Solzhenitsyn.

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8 people found this helpful

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RUN Don't Walk

"The Gulag Archipelago" is more than required reading. It shouldn't even be a question. Read it. Now. There is no more time. We are out of time in the west. Of course, the unabridged option is always preferred, but this unabridged version is spectacular. It doesn't take away from the unabridged volumes. Knowing the Ignat Solzhenitsyn is reading this makes the reader feel closer to Aleksandr. His reading is absolutely spellbinding. Thank you Ignat. Now if some wonderful volunteer, like Ignat, would redo the unabridged audio it would be perfect. But the unabridged versions available now are incredible. We the reader are ecstatic to get what we can get.

To read this is to understand something, be it just in writing, about what it is like in a communist concentration camp. It is not facts, though there are many, it is the all encompassing drama of real human beings that lived it. To read it is to have the upmost respect for Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn for his incredibly bravery, heart, and steadfastness in getting this story on paper. And out to all of us. Just in the nick of time as the sun sets on the free west. THANK YOU!!

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7 people found this helpful

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A necessary work about a terrible reality

This book will repulse you. You will hate to listen to it, but you would hate even more to turn it away. It is a necessary work which gives only a glimpse of the past which so easily could become our future. Listen to it. Hang on every word. Never forget what has happened, and ask yourself why you haven't heard of it before.

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3 people found this helpful

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History Repeats Itself

One of the greatest works describing a part of history already forgotten. Read , share, learn.

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Mandatory reading/listening

Great listen! Ordered the unabridged paperbacks to read chapters left out. America avoid communism!!

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Must Read!

I purchased this audible after Dr. Jordan Peterson stated it was mandatory reading for the public. I certainly agree. it's been one of the greatest insights into the horror of the 20th century and a terrific representation of the evil humans are capable of.

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Will fill your mind night and day from beginning to end

One of the greatest literary pieces of all time! If you want to know precise details of just how depraved a human being can get from a first hand account who happens to also be one of the greatest writers to ever walk this earth, this book is for you! I had expected to read this here and there but once I started, there was no stopping. I enjoyed this more than any other book I have ever read and I think many of you will too.

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Focus to an unfocused part of history

I enjoyed the writing and narration style of this book. It allows the listener/reader to step into a piece of history not necessarily well talked about in history books. Important for personal development of all.

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Prisoner Clarity

I really didn't understand how desperate and tyrannical communism is until I read this book! history always paints the 3rd Reich and Nazi's as the most heinous of tyrannical rulers. after reading the first hand account from someone who lived through it, I've come to realize that blind communism can produce hell on earth even faster. this book is so informative that I had to take a break in reading to digest the brutality and gather myself to finish the second half. it's a well narrated audio book by one of the authors relatives. it's been said many times those who do not remember history is bound to repeat it. I think much of what this book talks about 75 years ago is in the beginning stages of being replayed again! unfortunately lies and deception from the media and other platforms, either by ignorance or blatant implementation abounds today. so it would serve all people to study history so they won't be dragged through the nightmare of communism again! in the final Chapter of the book the author warns us saying the west will not understand this until they hear; "place your hands behind your back" a very sobering quote. I highly recommend this book...

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One of the most incredible books I have ever read.

Incredibly moving. And sometimes brutally hard to listen to due to its content. I beleive this book should be required reading in our schools.

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