San Francisco Public Library

On Nineteen eighty-four, a biography, D. J. Taylor

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-179) and index

contains biographical information

illustrations

index present

non fiction

On Nineteen eighty-four

bibliography

1086057225

D. J. Taylor

a biography

"Since its publication nearly 70 years ago, George Orwell's 1984 has been regarded as one of the most influential novels of the modern age. Politicians have testified to its influence on their intellectual identities, rock musicians have made records about it, TV viewers watch a reality show named for it, and a White House spokesperson tells of 'alternative facts.' The world we live in is often described as an Orwellian one, awash in inescapable surveillance and invasions of privacy. On 1984 dives deep into Orwell's life to chart his earlier writings and key moments in his youth, such as his years at a boarding school, whose strict and charismatic headmaster shaped the idea of Big Brother. Taylor tells the story of the writing of the book, taking readers to the Scottish island of Jura, where Orwell, newly famous thanks to Animal Farm but coping with personal tragedy and rapidly declining health, struggled to finish 1984. Published during the cold war -- a term Orwell coined -- Taylor elucidates the environmental influences on the book. Then he examines 1984's post-publication life, including its role as a tool to understand our language, politics, and government. In a current climate where truth, surveillance, censorship, and critical thinking are contentious, Orwell's work is necessary" --, Provided by publisher

Before (1903-1943). The terrors of power ; Life into art ; Influence and inspiration -- During (1943-1949). Fits and starts ; Jura days ; The last man in Europe -- After (1949 ad infinitum). Cold War warriors ; Nearing the sell-by date ; The post-truth world -- Appendix: The manuscript of Nineteen eighty-four

On 1984