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Down and Out in Paris and London
The classic reimagined with cover art by Shepard Fairey
Series: Penguin Essentials
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Check link for latest rating. ( 98,476 ratings, 7,362 reviews)
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
To be poor and destitute in 1920s Paris and London was to experience life at its lowest ebb. George Orwell, penniless and with nowhere to go, found himself experiencing just this as he wandered the streets of both capitals in search of a job. This book gives an account of the streets and those who have no choice but to live on them.
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Description
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell is a riveting memoir that plunges the reader into the stark realities of poverty in the two renowned cities during the 1920s. The narrative follows Orwell's own experiences as he grapples with destitution, taking on various menial jobs and immersing himself in the lives of the downtrodden. The story begins in the bohemian quarters of Paris, where Orwell's future seems bleak as he struggles to make ends meet. Despite his efforts, he finds himself caught in a relentless cycle of labour and squalor.
As Orwell shifts to London, he encounters a different yet equally harrowing form of poverty. Here, he tramps the streets alongside drifters, beggars, and the marginalised. By day, he spends time with figures such as 'screevers' (pavement artists) and street drinkers, sharing stories and sorrows. By night, he lines up for meagre accommodations offered by 'spikes' (homeless shelters) or doss houses, where a cup of sugary tea, a hunk of stale bread, and a rough blanket are his only solace in the cold, harsh nights.
This vivid account not only highlights Orwell's acute observational skills but also his deep empathy for the underprivileged. His unflinching portrayal of both citiesβ underbelly provides a haunting commentary on the social structures that perpetuate such suffering. Orwell's writing is both poignant and enlightening, leaving readers with a deep sense of the resilience and humanity among those who have no choice but to live on the streets.
Down and Out in Paris and London remains a powerful social document and a profound human study. Renowned urban artist Shepard Fairey has given this classic a new look, making it an essential addition to any literary collection. Orwellβs compelling journey through poverty stands as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Down and Out in Paris and London is praised for its clarity and moral authority, capturing the essence of the world with wonder and precise prose.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141042701
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 September 2013
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 13.0mm
Width: 111.0mm
Height: 180.0mm
Weight: 126g
Pages: 224
About the Author
Eric Arthur Blair (1903-1950), better known by his pen-name, George Orwell, was born in India, where his father worked for the Civil Service. An author and journalist, Orwell was one of the most prominent and influential figures in twentieth-century literature. His unique political allegory Animal Farm was published in 1945, and it was this novel, together with the dystopia of Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949), which brought him world-wide fame. His novels and non-fiction include Burmese Days, Down and Out in Paris and London, The Road to Wigan Pier and Homage to Catalonia.
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