Today marks George Orwell’s 108th birthday. To celebrate, we have compiled a visual history of the publication of one of his most influential works, 1984. Though 1984 has come and gone with little in the way of Big Brother (although we suppose it depends on whom you ask), Orwell’s novel is still a key component of American education and culture. If you’ve got two hours on your hands this afternoon, wish Orwell a happy 108th by watching this 1954 BBC Television production of the novel. Otherwise, click through to see our compilation of 1984 book covers from home and abroad. But be warned: you’re about to see a million stark, staring eyes and a whole lot of domineering typography. Let us know your favorites in the comments!
First British Edition, 1949
First American Edition, dust jacket and cover, 1949
Penguin Books UK, 1951
Signet edition, 1954
Penguin UK, 1954
Argentinian edition, 1954
Penguin edition, date unknown
1959 Swedish edition, designed by Olle Eksell
17th Signet printing, 1959
First Signet Classic edition, 1961
French edition, 1969
Harcourt Brace International, 1977
Penguin, 1978
French edition, 1980
Penguin Modern Classics, date unknown
Spanish edition, 1983
Penguin UK film tie-in edition, 1984
Spanish Edition, 1984
Signet Classics, 1985
Penguin, 1989
Penguin UK, 1989
Polish edition, 1989
Swedish edition, date unknown
Signet Classics, 1990’s
Signet Classics, date unknown
Plume Centennial Edition, 2003
Penguin Readers edition, 2003
Penguin Classics, 2003
Indonesian Edition, circa 2003
Penguin Modern Classics, 2004
Penguin Readers Simplified Text, 2008
Penguin UK, 2008, design by Shepard Fairey
Spanish edition, 2008
Penguin UK Anniversary Edition, 2009
60th Anniversary edition, 2009, design by Jason Johnson
Slovakian Edition, 2009