Selected Essays

‘When I was about sixteen I suddenly discovered the joy of mere words.’

Best known for his remarkable novels Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell’s essays from the 1930s and 40s are just as compelling.

From Why I Write to Shooting an Elephant and A Hanging, his observations offer contemporary readers a vivid snapshot of Britain during some of its most turbulent decades.

Highlights of this Collection:

• Orwell’s experiences as a police officer in South-East Asia, vividly portrayed in essays like Shooting an Elephant.
• Thought-provoking opinion pieces on British political unrest.
• Haunting reflections on the horrors of war.

This selection features some of Orwell’s most acclaimed essays, celebrated for their originality, sharp insight, and enduring relevance.