The First Circle

5W 1988 Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Notes

The First Circle by Alexander Solzhenitsyn, published in 1968, is a novel set in a Soviet prison research institute during the Stalinist era. The story revolves around a group of intellectual prisoners, known as "zeks," who are detained in a special prison known as the "first circle"—a relatively privileged position compared to the harsher gulags. These prisoners, including scientists and engineers, are forced to work on state projects, balancing the ethical dilemmas of aiding a repressive regime with their desire for survival. The novel explores themes of moral compromise, freedom, and the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism, offering a powerful critique of Soviet society. It is one of Solzhenitsyn's most acclaimed works, reflecting his own experiences in the Soviet labor camps.

Description

Red genuine leather bound Easton Press Edition with gold embossed cover and spine with four raised bands and gold fore edge. Pristine condition.