Seeing Things as They Are: Selected Journalism and Other Writings

'This selection is a ceaseless delight ... there is a treat on almost every page' — Daily Telegraph

George Orwell wrote, in his own words, from 'a desire to see things as they are.' This new collection of his journalism and other writings—including articles, essays, broadcasts, poems, book and film reviews from across his career—showcases his unmatched genius for observing the world.

Highlights from Orwell's Work:

• Topics Covered:
  Whether discussing Polish immigration or Scottish independence, railing against racism, defending the English language, or holding an imaginary conversation with Jonathan Swift, these pieces reveal Orwell as a clear-eyed, entertaining, and eternally relevant chronicler of his age.
• Edited with an Introduction:
  Edited by Peter Davison, this collection demonstrates Orwell’s luminous gift for noticing what others missed, took for granted, or found uninteresting—discovering meaning and wonder in the familiarity of the everyday.

What Makes This Collection Special:

• Focus on Journalism:
  Seeing Things As They Are is primarily a collection of Orwell’s journalism, with a preference for lesser-known pieces, reviews, and even some of the poems he wrote.
• A Feast of Shorter Writings:
  Peter Davison has curated a rich selection of Orwell’s shorter works, showcasing how he evolved into the writer of enduring importance we know today.
• A Writer of Decency and Honesty:
  Orwell’s commitment to decency, equality, and political honesty shines through, even as he waxes lyrical about the first signs of spring or imagines the perfect English pub.

Praise for the Collection:

• 'Orwell's luminous gift was for seeing things, for noticing what others missed, took for granted or simply found uninteresting, for discovering meaning and wonder in the familiarity of the everyday... Nothing escaped or seemed beneath his notice, which was what made him such a good reporter...'
• 'It is full of interest and curiosities' — Jason Cowley, Financial Times
• 'Peter Davison gives us a feast of [Orwell's] shorter writings...' — Gordon Bowker, Independent

This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into Orwell’s extraordinary ability to capture the essence of his time while remaining timeless.