Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: George Orwell releases satirical Soviet allegory Animal Farm

8/17/2026

50 5

Summary

Story summary

On 17 August 1945, George Orwell released *Animal Farm*, a satirical allegory exposing Soviet-style totalitarianism. The novella depicts Manor Farm’s animals overthrowing their human owner, only to see the pigs seize power and recreate the oppression they opposed. Orwell’s lucid prose uses the beast fable to critique authoritarian rule and champion democratic socialism.

1 of 1

Story summary

On 17 August 1945, George Orwell released *Animal Farm*, a satirical allegory exposing Soviet-style totalitarianism. The novella depicts Manor Farm’s animals overthrowing their human owner, only to see the pigs seize power and recreate the oppression they opposed. Orwell’s lucid prose uses the beast fable to critique authoritarian rule and champion democratic socialism.