Literature: *George Orwell* The School of Life

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George Orwell (1903-1950) is the most famous English language writer of the 20th century, the author of 'Animal Farm' and '1984.' What was he trying to tell us and what is his genius?
In 1945, Orwell's 'Animal Farm' was published. A political fable set in a farmyard but based on Stalin's betrayal of the Russian Revolution, it made Orwell's name and ensured he was financially comfortable for the first time in his life.
In 1949, his classic 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' was published. Set in an imaginary totalitarian future, the book made a deep impression, with its title and many phrases - such as 'Big Brother is watching you', 'newspeak' and 'doublethink' - entering popular use. By now Orwell's health was deteriorating and he died of tuberculosis on 21 January 1950. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/orwell_george.shtml

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1. "1984"