On 21st January 1950, George Orwell died in London. In recognition of one of Britain’s greatest and most influential writers, Penguin Books, the Orwell Estate and The Orwell Prize are launching the inaugural ‘Orwell Day’ on 21st January with new editions of his most beloved books designed by David Pearson.
Orwell had a profound effect on modern thought and writing. Even if you haven’t read his books you will probably know their names and the catch phrases and titles: 1984, Animal Farm, “four legs good, two legs bad” and so on. I can’t remember which book I read first but I do remember enjoying his lesser known writing – Burmese Days and Shooting an Elephant (you can read it in this really interesting anthology).
A quick look at our catalogue reveals a good haul of Orwell’s works both fiction and non- fiction and in more than one language. We also have them as audio books. And of course even good old Cliff’s notes (and a new cheat sheet for me – Brodie’s notes). There is even a book of George Orwell sayings. So why not take a dip into unknown waters or revisit one of his classics.
21 January 2013 at 10:25 am
For me Orwell is one of the great prose stylists of the English language, so Orwell Day is a great idea. He was one of the authors I actually enjoyed studying at University – I totally agree about Burmese Days and also remember The Road to Wigan Pier and Down and Out in Paris and London very vividly, although it’s years since I read them. The descriptions of what went on behind the scenes at really flash restaurants in the latter are particularly fresh. A Hanging is the short story that sticks most in my memory.
21 January 2013 at 1:29 pm
Here’s a fan piece from Margaret Atwood http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jan/18/my-hero-george-orwell-atwood