Author Christopher Hollis knew George Orwell personally during his schooldays at Eton, afterwards in Burma, and at the end of his life. His study of Orwellâs books is therefore illuminated by some anecdotes of reminiscence. However, it is important to note that this book is primarily a study rather than a biography. Hollis examines Orwellâs books in order and traces through them the development of this unmatched literary giantâs thought process.
From the experiences described in Down and Out in Paris and London to the points in his life that began driving him toward socialism, A Study of George Orwell is a comprehensive overview of Orwellâs work as it related to his personal life. Hollis guides the reader all the way through Orwellâs oeuvre, including his two most famous booksâAnimal Farm and 1984âwhich are, arguably, the greatest literary protests of political power and tyranny ever penned.
Portraying Orwell as a fearless champion of the common man and a follower in the footsteps of Jonathan Swift, Hollis offers a compelling review and analysis of Orwellâs work as well as a perspective not found by the average, distant biographer