Including The Road to Wigan Pier 'No one wrote better about the English character than Orwell' New York Review of Books Much of George Orwell's best writing, brought together in this collection, is concerned with his complex, often contradictory attitude to England. In the brilliantly perceptive The English People, he lists the national characteristics as 'suspicion of foreigners, sentimentality about animals, hypocrisy, exaggerated class distinctions and an obsession with sport'. The Road to Wigan Pier, his blistering account of poverty in the north of England, and many of his essays, attack what he called 'the most class-ridden country under the sun', while other writings here ruminate on the merits of cricket, gardening, roast dinners, pubs, tea and seaside postcards. Edited by Peter Davison with an Introduction by Ben Pimlott
George Orwell
George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair in 1903, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic. He is best known for his works "Animal Farm" and "Nineteen Eighty-Four," which are both powerful critiques of totalitarianism and authoritarianism. Orwell's writing style is characterized by clarity, precision, and a sharp wit, making his works accessible and thought-provoking for readers.
Orwell's contributions to literature include his exploration of political and social issues, as well as his commitment to truth and honesty in writing. His works have had a lasting impact on the dystopian and political fiction genres, influencing countless authors and thinkers. "Nineteen Eighty-Four" in particular has become a classic of modern literature, with its portrayal of a bleak and oppressive future society resonating with readers around the world. Orwell's legacy as a writer and social critic continues to be celebrated and studied today for its enduring relevance and insight.