What is the significance of Goldstein's book in 1984?

Question

In 1984 by George Orwell, Goldstein's book *The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism* is given roughly 30 pages of text, is largely drawn out, and seems unimportant compared to the rest of the novel. What is its significance? Couldn't the book largely be summed up in a page or two of summary from the narrator?

Answer 1

George Orwell dedicates time to "The Theory and Practice of Oligarchical Collectivism" (called 'The Book') as a reminder of both the origins of the Party's philosophy, in addition to make clear what sort of tricks Smith is privvy to in reading this book. Goldstein's original intention by writing this book was to undermine the way the Party (and indeed all "oligarchical collectivism") operates. Without spelling out exactly how authoritarians had exerted their power and influenced societies by the means established in "The Theory and Practice...", Orwell would not be able to make the concrete statements about how authoritarian governments are A) self-defeating, and B) have weaknesses.