Orwell and Politics

Orwell and Politics is the definitive collection of George Orwell's timeless political writing, showcasing the enduring brilliance of one of the 20th century's most influential authors. This anthology comprehensively assembles Orwell's powerful political essays and journalism along with his enduring satire on totalitarianism, Animal Farm.

The collection is arranged to illustrate Orwell's vast range of political interests. It includes provocative articles that express his views on topics such as corrupt political language, the oppressive British Empire, and other pressing issues of his time. Readers will find Orwell's masterly wartime Socialist polemic, 'The Lion and the Unicorn,' which articulates his vision of a fair and equitable society in the throes of war. It also features his incisive and wry review of Mein Kampf, offering a unique perspective on one of history's most infamous manifestos.

One of the standout essays in this collection is Orwell's passionate defence of his dystopian masterpiece, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Here, he confronts critics and elucidates the dire warnings about state surveillance and authoritarianism that underpin the novel. Furthermore, Orwell and Politics includes extracts from Orwell's controversial list of 'Crypto-communists' which ignited considerable debate and highlighted his complex relationship with political ideologies of his era. These writings together offer a critical glimpse into Orwell’s uncompromising honesty and his steadfast commitment to truth and justice.

Orwell’s work continues to resonate deeply, speaking to contemporary issues with a clarity and urgency that has not diminished with time. This collection is essential for students of political science, literature, history, and for anyone keen to understand the political landscape of the 20th century through the keen lens of one of its most perceptive commentators.