The Gulag Archipelago (abridged edition)

[Nico87]

Hey, I'm considering buying
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gulag-Archipelago-Harvill-Press-Editions/dp/1843430851/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_3/203-0361041-0567933
This is the abridged version of the three volumes. For those who have read the full three volumes, is it worth getting all three instead of this one, or does this abridged edition pretty much sum it all up?

Thanks

[Noisms]

Well I haven't read the abridged version. Abridged versions are by definition what somebody other than the author thinks is important about their work. That makes them pretty pointless - I'd rather read the whole thing and decide for myself what's important in it.

There's no doubt about it: the full version is long. But I'd advise you to read it, because it's a great book.

[Nico87]

Arigato for the quick reply! :yawnb:

Think I might get the full three voulmes.

[tscherff]

like any compilation of stories, the best ones are in the 1st volume. start there. you will love it. the next 2 volumes are still good though.

[BadassBookworm]

NO NO NO! Abridged should be a four letter word. Sure, you may finish it faster and read the main points (relatively), but you will always be wondering what you missed.

[ClickForth]

okokok

[chaplin]

In my opinion, it all depends on the level of your interest in the subject. I am highly interested in Russian literature/history, and thus read all three volumes; but if you're only a casual reader of either of those, than maybe the abridged version is the right choice, because it is quite a lengthy book.

[Nico87]

Well I have read ALOT of history and I enjoy reading history very much. I bought the first volume and I will buy the other two if I like this one.

[byquist]

I probably read the real thing. But as far as length, once you get going, the shock of it will keep your nose in that book.

[Nico87]

I have another question. I recieved The Gulag Archipelago: An Experiment In Literary Investigation I - II, Book Club Associates, London, 1974 today. I see that it is divided into two parts, The Prison Industry and Perpetual Motion. Now, does this mean that that 2/3 parts are in this book, or is it only the first volume divided in two parts? I'm a tad confused over this.

Oh, and if this is only the first volume of three, is it right that there's only 2 pages of pictures in it? Three pictures of Solzhenitsyn on page two, and six pictures of different indeviduals on the first page of Part II. I had pictured that it would be more pictures from the labourcamps etc.

Answer would be appreciated. Thanks.

[crazefest456]

Get the volumes...I had no introduction to russian literature and I casually picked it up and read it; I loved it immediately. Every sentence he writes is so powerful, don't ruin it by reading the abridged version..