George Orwell remains one of the most quoted and most misquoted writers of the last century. Terms he coined or popularised, doublethink, Big Brother, thoughtcrime, Orwellian itself, have become part of everyday language, often used loosely and sometimes misapplied. This pocket hardback by military historian and author Chris McNab goes back to the source, setting out what Orwell actually argued and why it still matters.
Rather than a straight biography, this is a guide to Orwell's ideas. Each chapter opens with one of his own quotes, drawn from essays, letters, journalism and the novels that made him famous, Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, followed by a clear discussion of the thinking behind it.
The book moves through the themes Orwell returned to again and again: poverty and class, nationalism, imperialism, political language, propaganda and the mechanics of totalitarian control. It's a useful way into his non-fiction for readers who know the novels well but haven't read the essays, and a solid refresher for anyone who studied him at school and wants the detail back.
What's inside
- A chapter-by-chapter exploration of Orwell's core political and social ideas
- Orwell's own words at the start of each chapter, with context and analysis
- Coverage of class, poverty, nationalism, imperialism, language and totalitarianism
- Accessible, well-paced writing suited to dipping in and out or reading cover to cover
Format and specifications
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Format:Hardback, part of the Arcturus Pocket Ideas series
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Author: Chris McNab
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Pages: 208
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Dimensions: 165 x 105 x 18.5mm
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Weight: approximately 127g
- Colourful page design with sprayed page edges
Who it's for
The compact format and sprayed edges make this one of those books that photographs well and gives well, a good fit for readers who already love 1984 or Animal Farm and want to understand the thinking underneath them, students covering Orwell for English or politics, and anyone who enjoys a well-made small hardback as a stocking filler or shelf companion. It's light enough to read on a commute and substantial enough to look like a proper gift rather than an afterthought.
