Some Orwell scholars might claim that the title of this website is redundant (since nearly all of Orwell's writings were political) but I deal here with his political observations, not with an appreciation of his literary skills. The works presented here, although written immediately for his own time (specifically the World War II years, 1937-1945) are still in many ways analogous to our current age. I've taken the liberty of adding a few questions at the end of certain passages which may help the modern reader see their relevence to our own time.
A few biographical notes about Orwell are in order: First, Orwell identified himself as a Democratic Socialist. Secondly, he died a relatively young man. Orwell was 47 years old when he succumbed to tuberculosis in January 1950. Given the astuteness of his observations on the World War II era, can we even begin to imagine what books he might have written had he lived through the Fifties? What would he have said about the Cold War? Sputnik? Television? The JFK assassination? The Beatles? Vietnam, Watergate, the moon landing? Perhaps, had he lived past the year 1984 itself, might he have commented on the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union? Unfortunately we'll never know.
All works here are copyrighted to the George Orwell estate and are reproduced here under educational Fair Use laws. Most of these writings are taken from the 4-volume set:
For questions or comments about this website please contact Patrick Farley at patrick@resort.com. Please note: this e-mail address is for administrative issues only. For a discussion of Orwell's works please visit the Usenet group alt.books.george-orwell Thank you.
October 22, 1998.