Truly a scary statement, that last bit.
If anyone has not read Gulag archipelago do it while you still can. There are several versions, the real one, big and thick. One for "American readers", this one leaves out some of the stories but still has the meat and potatoes, you loose out on some of the details, but you don't loose out on the bulk of the info. You loose the salad and green beans. The last I will call the "kiddy" version. Most of the details are there but many of the more.....hard hitting info is gone. This one is a quick read.
I read the "American" one first, and then the full version. The "American" version was edited by his son. I really did not gain much reading the second one. It is like a sunday with the cherry on top vs. one without the cherry. It added to it, but you already know all you need to know.
I have not read the very "abridged" version and only go by what I have read about that one.
I know I preach to the choir here, but really if you have not read this book. It will give you a very well grounded in history platform to base your thinking and talks with others that agree with your view or not.