Homage to Catalonia

Name: Homage to Catalonia
Brand: Pan Macmillan
SKU: 9781529032710
Price: 19.99 NZD
Availability: OutOfStock

By George Orwell

Series: Macmillan Collector's Library

4.09

( 63,842 ratings, 4,253 reviews)

Summary

In Homage to Catalonia, George Orwell recounts his personal experiences during the Spanish Civil War. As a member of a POUM militia, he provides a vivid and honest portrayal of the conflict, highlighting the complexities and internal divisions among the anti-fascist forces. The memoir combines Orwell's frontline observations with his deep political insights.
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Format: Hardback

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?

This book may appeal to you if you are interested in firsthand accounts of historical events, especially the Spanish Civil War, or appreciate Orwell's insightful and candid writing style. It offers a compelling narrative of political conflict and personal experiences.

Homage to Catalonia

Introduced by leading historian Helen Graham, Homage to Catalonia is Orwell’s first-hand account of the Spanish Civil War.

Introduced by leading historian Helen Graham, Homage to Catalonia is Orwell's first-hand account of the Spanish Civil War.

Description

Homage to Catalonia is a powerful and poignant account of George Orwell's time fighting for the Republican militia during the Spanish Civil War. As a volunteer soldier in the trenches, Orwell experienced the raw and brutal realities of battle, from the stifling monotony of the front lines to the chaotic intensity of street combat. His narrative encompasses not only his personal experiences but also the broader socio-political landscape of Spain in the throes of revolution. Through his eyes, readers gain insight into the fervour and intensity of the struggle against Fascism, as well as the internal conflicts and ideological battles that plagued the Republican cause.

Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library, this edition of Homage to Catalonia is a stunning clothbound, pocket-sized classic with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. Ideal as a gift or a treat for any literature enthusiast, this beautifully designed volume also features an introduction by Helen Graham, a leading historian on the Spanish Civil War. Her scholarly preface provides valuable context, framing Orwell’s experiences within the larger historical and political milieu.

George Orwell arrived in Spain in 1936 initially to act as a journalist, intending to cover the ongoing civil war. However, after witnessing the revolutionary atmosphere in Barcelona, with the working class seizing control, he felt compelled to join the Republican militia. In Homage to Catalonia, Orwell chronicles his journey with compelling honesty, detailing the harshness of war, the ideological divides within the anti-Fascist forces, and the ultimate disillusionment with the infighting amongst supposed allies. From the desperation and danger of hiding from enemy forces to the bittersweet return to England, Orwell's account is a profound exploration of his political convictions and the grim realities of warfare.

This memoir is not only a significant historical document but also an essential piece in understanding the development of Orwell's political and social views. It reveals the depth of his commitment to justice and equality, as well as the impact of his experiences in Spain on his later works. Homage to Catalonia remains an enduring testament to the complexities and tragedies of war, and the indomitable spirit of those who fight for what they believe in.

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?

Homage to Catalonia is regarded as a crucial work on the Spanish Civil War, praised for its emotional depth and blend of horror, grace, and humour. It is considered a landmark text of the 20th century, notable for Orwell's commitment to truth and integrity. Reviewers highlight the book's vivid depiction of conflict and its meditative quality, bringing clarity to the chaos of war.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529032710

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 04 March 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Macmillan Collector's Library

Contributors:

Introduction by Helen Graham

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 101.0mm

Height: 157.0mm

Weight: 188g

Pages: 320

Collections

Biography & Memoir George Orwell Musicians, Movie Stars & Creative Biographies Non-Fiction Political Biographies Series: Macmillan Collector's Library

About the Author

Eric Arthur Blair (George Orwell) was born in 1903 in India, where his father was a civil servant. After studying at Eton, he served with the Indian Imperial Police in Burma for several years, and this inspired his first novel, Burmese Days. After two years in Paris, he returned to England to work as a teacher and then in a bookshop. In 1936 he travelled to Spain to fight for the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War, where he was badly wounded. During the Second World War he worked for the BBC. A prolific journalist and essayist, Orwell wrote some of the most influential books in English literature, including the dystopian Nineteen Eighty-Four and his political allegory Animal Farm. He died from tuberculosis in 1950.