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On 1984
On 1984: The Story of George Orwell's Masterpiece | D. J. Taylor
8 posts | 1 read | 4 to read
From the author of the definitive biography of George Orwell, a captivating account of the origin and enduring power of his landmark dystopian novel 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. Written with resonant and reflective analysis, On 1984 is both brilliant and remarkably timely.
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Cuilin
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#TuesdayTunes Compilation Albums @TieDyeDude

This album started my love affair with 80‘s music. My sister got it for Christmas when I was 11.
Big in Japan by Alphaville
Like to get to know you well by Howard Jones
Purple Rain by Prince
Hard habit to break by Chicago
Apollo 9 by Adam Ant
All through the Night Cyndi Lauper

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Yf5FeOSXxSUE9p721P1Xa?si=2ANANeZkQPmNjtygL0pj...

BarbaraBB Love this! Great choices! 2mo
39 likes1 comment
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Gina
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Mehso-so

This was a quick interesting read. Learing about the time-line of Orwell's illness and him writing the book was really fascinating. There were some other tidbits in it that I did not know. And I always find other peoples perspectives help me see things from a different angle. Not sure that this is worthy to purchase but definitely worth a look at from your local library.

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Gina
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That is interesting. I knew there was an uptake of purchasing but I had no idea it was to that extent.

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Gina
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Well looky there. A government - endorsed view of Russia...

Hummmmmm... Are you thinking what you want to think, or what they want you to think... Ouch that hurts my grey cells

wanderinglynn That‘s why it‘s better to read the book. Then the only interpretation you get is your own and not someone else‘s interpretation. 5y
7 likes1 comment
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Gina
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Ooohhhh Orwell's dissing Huxley. Clash of the titans!

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Gina
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The glorious moment when the author lists dystopian books Orwell read before it wrote 1984. HECK YEAH!

Curiouser_and_curiouser From memory, Orson Wells took Huxley's literature/writing classes and wrote his book, 1984, after being inspired by Huxley's Brave New World, even asking for Huxley's opinion of his book whilst or after writing it. They are definitely linked. 4y
Gina @Curiouser_and_curiouser YESSSSS... I read about this. So fascinating. Orwell and Vonnegut both claim Huxley's book is very similar to a book called... which came out first. Huxley swears he never read it. 4y
Curiouser_and_curiouser Omg! You are too kind for not picking me up on my error. Lol!!! I meant George Orwell, not Orson Wells, I can't believe I didn't double check that! I will check out We, thank you 😊 4y
Gina @Curiouser_and_curiouser hehehehe we'll just say auto correct did it... 😉🤗 4y
11 likes4 comments
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Gina
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I'm excited to dive in to this lil 179 page gem. I hope it will NOT disappoint!

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agrondin44

Such a good book!!! So close to what some country are living right now... sad but true.