Published in 1945, George Orwell’s Animal Farm tells the story of farm animals who overthrow their human owner, Mr. Jones, and establish a new regime led by pigs. Initially aiming for equality, the farm quickly descends into oppressive rule under Napoleon, a power-hungry pig, resulting in conditions as bad, if not worse, than before.

Orwell's Animal Farm is widely acclaimed for its incisive allegory on totalitarianism, blending political commentary with engaging narrative. Praised for its sharp wit and social relevance, it remains a potent critique of power and corruption. Some critics, however, find its characters overly simplistic, impacting the depth of its message. Overall, a must-read for its enduring insights.

Readers who appreciate political allegories and critiques of totalitarian regimes will enjoy Animal Farm by George Orwell. Fans of 1984 by Orwell or Brave New World by Aldous Huxley will find its exploration of power and corruption compelling. Additionally, those interested in historical contexts like the Russian Revolution will find it engaging.

Dark / Mysterious / Informative / Contemplative / Unnerving

- Animal Farm was initially turned down by multiple publishers, including T.S. Eliot at Faber and Faber, before finally getting published in 1945.
- The original title of the book was "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story," and it uses allegory to critique political systems, notably reflecting on the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union.
- George Orwell's Animal Farm was adapted into an animated film in 1954, marking it as one of the first British animated features, notably produced with some funding from the CIA during the Cold War.

**Mr. Jones**  
The original owner of Manor Farm, Mr. Jones is an alcoholic and neglectful farmer whose incompetence leads to the animals' rebellion, resulting in the establishment of Animal Farm.

**Major**  
An old Middle White prize boar who acts as a wise and inspiring leader for the animals. He delivers a speech that sparks the idea of revolution and is a symbol of socialist ideals in *Animal Farm*.

**Napoleon**  
A large Berkshire boar who becomes the main antagonist in *Animal Farm*. Authoritarian and shrewd, he seizes control of the farm and becomes a dictatorial leader.

**Snowball**  
A vivacious and inventive young boar who is an articulate and inspiring leader. He plays a key role in organizing the farm after the rebellion but is eventually driven out by Napoleon.

**Squealer**  
A small, nimble pig who serves as Napoleon’s spokesperson. Squealer is adept at persuasive speech and propaganda, manipulating the truth to maintain Napoleon’s power.

**Boxer**  
A very large, strong carthorse, admired for his strength and hard work. Revered by the other animals, his personal mottos reflect his dedication to their shared cause.

**Clover**  
A stout motherly mare and Boxer’s close companion. She is protective and caring towards the other animals on the farm.

**Benjamin**  
A cynical and pessimistic donkey who is the oldest animal on the farm. He is known for his clear-sightedness and maintains a realistic perspective on the events at the farm.

**Mollie**  
A vain white mare with weak loyalty to the farm's principles. She hoards luxuries and eventually disappears from the farm to return to a more conventional life.

**Moses**  
A tame raven and Mr. Jones’s pet who tells tales about a mythical paradise called Sugarcandy Mountain, providing hope and distraction for the animals.

**Mr. Pilkington**  
The owner of Foxwood, one of the farms neighboring Animal Farm. He is a gentleman farmer who is suspicious of the rebellion and ultimately competes with Mr. Frederick to do business with Animal Farm.

**Mr. Frederick**  
The owner of Pinchfield, another neighboring farm. Known for cruelty towards animals, he becomes a temporary ally to Napoleon but deceives him in business dealings.

**Mr. Whymper**  
A shrewd human solicitor hired by Napoleon to represent Animal Farm in the human world. He acts as a liaison and helps spread propaganda about the farm’s success.

**Minimus**  
A pig who functions as Napoleon’s official poet, writing poems and songs that glorify the regime and Napoleon's rule in *Animal Farm*.

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