Best Books To Read By George Orwell: Science fiction literature tends to be considered the stuff of fantasy. However, a few authors have proven that the genre can be used to present ways of critiquing the powers that be. Among the likes of Frank Herbert and Aldus Huxley was George Orwell, who presented classics that were imbued with an advocacy of democratic socialism while being completely against totalitarianism.
Named Eric Arthur Blair, the English novelist adopted the pen name for publishing more provocative works. Today, we’ll take the most well-liked and influential books by Orwell. The author, first and foremost, was also recognised for his journalistic fervour, presenting accounts of poverty, class division, and more perils through his works. Let’s take a look at some of the most prolific works he’s created throughout his long and arduous career.
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Most Popular Books By George Orwell
Orwell passed away on January 21, 1950, at age 46, and left behind a legacy of extensive support for socialism-driven democracy. Let’s take a look at the books that emerge as the biggest dystopian novels in the world, and stand as the perfect examples for political allegories.
1. 1984
First released back in 1949, the book emerged as one of the most definitive works of political fiction in a dystopian setting. Set in Oceania, a fictional superstate that is one of the three parts of the world that have been divided following a world war, the book focuses on the mechanisms for control that exist by the control of the powers that be.
Orwell tells the story through Winston Smith, who is already knee-deep within the government’s trap. As he works with them without his particular willingness, he finds Julia, a young woman who catches his eye and slowly dispels him. It’s one of the most insightful books on the structures in politics and remains a quintessential read. 1984 Book Price: Rs 328.
2. Modern Classics Penguin Essays of George Orwell
Most fans of the English author might be aware of his prowess when it comes to fiction, though rarely anyone is aware of his skills as a critic and writer. Orwell’s essays are said to be thought-provoking, inquisitive, and highly prosaic in nature. Having been written decades ago, they still ring true to the events and powers that are around in this day and age, thus maintaining their relevance.
More than anything, these essays are brutally honest in nature, integral to the conditions of humanity that deserve our empathy and attention without any compromise. This is why Orwell’s work is fundamental in nature. George Orwell Book Price: Rs 403.
3. Animal Farm
Perhaps one of the most popular books by the science fiction author, the book features an incredible allegory of the Soviet Union’s revolution and the rise of Stalinism. It starts off with a conspiracy by animals living on a farm against their human captors. As they overthrow the humans of the farm, thus is born a new phase in the life of Manor Farm.
The animals try to plan for a utopian life on the farm, where everyone would be treated equally, and fairness will be the driving force of everything. However, the farm, which is being led by two pigs named Napoleon and Snowball, gets derailed as corruption is naturally introduced. Animal Farm Book Price: Rs 297.
4. Burmese Days
This book is closer to Orwell’s origin, who was born in India. Set in the 1920s when Burma was controlled by the British, the fictional district of Kyauktada is the main branch railway line that is crucial to the operations and transport of the British. It focuses on the differences and rivalries between U Po Kyin, a corrupt magistrate on Burma’s side and an Indian man, Dr Veraswami.
While the doctor is trying to seek a better standing in the world of Europeans so that he remains defended, U Po Kyin wants to sully his name. Amid all this is a man named John Flory, who has become so immersed in the culture of Burma that it’s impossible for him to leave. This is what the entirety of the film centres around. Burmese Days Book Price: Rs 277.
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5. Politics and the English Language
Orwell’s career didn’t only revolve around the intricacies of politics and fiction. Language was a central point of concern for the English author, and he looks at the debasement of language in his time that was commonly observed when political orthodox systems were active. This treatise on political language is “intended to make falsehoods sound true and murder acceptable, and to give the illusion of solidity to pure wind.”
This is something that has majorly influenced his book 1984, which features an authoritarian regime that uses the obscurity of language to keep the residents under control. An example of this is, “Big Brother is watching,” which is another way of referring to, “You are under surveillance.” Politics And The English Language Book Price: Rs 236.
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FAQs: Best Books To Read By George Orwell
1. What was George Orwell’s best work?
The most monumental work is 1984, which is considered a classic. Furthermore, it critiques different aspects of mass surveillance as well as the problematic aspects of totalitarian regimes.
2. What is the best of Orwell?
The most popular books by George Orwell are Animal Farm and 1984, which are known for their satirical nature and hard-hitting commentary on politics.
3. Why is 1984 book so good?
This is a multi-disciplinary book that emphasises teachings from sociology, politics, and psychology. It inspires critical thinking as well as questioning the choices being made by a government that claims to be fair.
Disclaimer: Jagran’s Journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The prices mentioned here are subject to change with respect to Amazon. Also note, the mentioned products are picked on user ratings and Jagran is not responsible for the after-sale service of any products.
