George Orwell: The Man and the Mind behind 1984

by Michael Shelden

While many literary works have transcended their own time to become beloved classics, few novels have remained quite as politically relevant as George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984. How has a book written in the 1940s—and set in a future that is now our past—become a cultural touchstone for every new generation of readers that encounters it? Why does Orwell’s vision of a totalitarian future seem to constantly reflect the conditions of the present?

In George The Man and the Mind Behind 1984, Professor Michael Shelden will show you how the novel presents a plausible reality of thought control and totalitarian power that feels contemporary even as it reflects its own time. In five illuminating lectures, you will see how Orwell drew on his own experiences and observations of the post-war world to craft a universal story of human oppression. Along the way, you will see how

Created the terrifying figure of Big Brother not only by observing the tactics of Joseph Stalin, but also by remembering his days at an English boarding school; Translated his personal experience with censorship and propaganda into the oppressive forces of Newspeak and the Thought Police; Used his own relationships to explore how ordinary people respond to mass intimidation; Found inspiration for his nightmare world in his long battle with poor health; and more. As you will see, 1984 was a financial and critical success from the very beginning and has been a favorite of readers ever since. From the Red Scare of the 1950s to the rise of the surveillance state in the 21st century, Orwell’s surprisingly personal masterpiece continues to resonate with our own lived experience, offering a timeless warning of the dangers of authoritarian power, misused technology, and unquestioned conformity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Audiobook, History, Literature, Literary Criticism, Dystopia

Audible Audio

Published April 4, 2024

Reviews

[Osama · Rating 5 out of 5]

مجموعة من المحاضرات القصيرة يقدمها الدكتور مايكل شيلدون حول سيرة جورج أورويل الشخصية والأدبية وأهم أعماله الروائية. متوفر على تطبيق اودابل.

[Daniela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sin dudas un recorrido distinto por la vida de George Orwell, lleno de datos interesantes sobre su infancia, adolescencia, relaciones de todo tipo, inspiración, y todo lo que rodea la creación de su obra maestra, 1984.

Realmente no sabía mucho de su vida, y con este libro quedé muy impresionada de algunas de las cosas por las que pasó y me cierra mucho más el camino que tuvo que recorrer para escribir esa novela, y de donde nacieron sus ideas.

[Michelle N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this Audible Great Courses volume on George Orwell (real name Eric Arthur Blair). Although it focused mainly on his novel 1984 and the concept contained therein, it also gave an interesting insight into his life and how he came to write the world famous book.

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this Great Courses text makes the argument that this book is the single most influential one of the twentieth century. He may be right. Big Brother is a broadly socialized concept that people have been talking about my entire life. The idea of the state spying on every part of their citizenry’s lives is not too hard to fathom. After all, we know that our telephone calls are recorded, we all have devices in our homes that listen all the time, our internet searches are kept forever, there are cameras over most stop lights, and more cameras yet on peoples’ houses and property. The idea of privacy is not anything like what it was fifty years ago and it’s getting weaker every year. And none of that even mentions the popular reality show, Big Brother.

The book gives background on Orwell that helps put the book in the context of his life and his regrettably shortened writing career. I haven’t actually read Big Brother in at least thirty years, but I frankly don’t think you have to have read the novel to enjoy this audiobook on its creation and impact.

[Valerie J K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an Audible original lecture given by Michael Shelden, who happened to discover about 100 unknown letters that had belonged to George Orwell (ironically discovered in the year 1984). They'd remained untouched because they'd been filed under his real name, Eric Blair. Sheldon went on to write "Friends of Promise" about Orwell's literary circle, and "Orwell,"a biography authorized by Orwell's estate. Unfortunately Eric Arthur Blair died of tuberculosis in 1950 just months after publishing the book "1984." The letters give insight into his life and thoughts.

"His essential insight is that ideology and policy are ususally merely convenient smokescreens for tyrants, masking a deeper and more primitive urge to accumulate authority for it's own sake. Beautiful in it's simplicity is the message conveyed in 1984: the object of power IS power."

[Pynk Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. Very straightforward and understandable, whilst the recordings focus primarily on 1984 there are other novels and works of Orwells that are touched upon when necessary. The ideas and opinions expressed are interesting and thought provoking as well. I think this helped to give a more clear picture of the world surrounding Orwells works, as well as perhaps highlighting why this world has oftentimes been difficult to get a precise understanding of.

I think I will now go on to read Shelden's biography on Orwell given the great care and attention that this work demonstrates.

[Lenka Příplatová · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Orwell: The Man and the Mind Behind 1984 by Michael Shelden was a thoroughly enjoyable listen, although it was relatively short. What stood out most to me was how the course effectively linked events from Orwell's life to his work, showing how his personal experiences directly influenced the themes in 1984. I have especially liked the comparisons between his own life and the novel—whether it was lighter aspects like the love story or more intense subjects like censorship, banned books, and surveillance by Stalinists. I also learned some interesting facts I didn't know before, like that 1984 should be The Last Man In Europe.

[Abdul Alhazred · Rating 3 out of 5]

A shorter biographical work on Orwell, tied closer to the book 1984 specifically. It's good, but his George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons is just better, offering a longer historical view of his life and adding some complexity to his political views that did not fit into this shorter audiobook.

[Rhayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent primer on one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. It seamlessly weaves together the key themes of Orwell’s work with the pivotal events and figures that shaped his life. The book offers valuable insight into how his experiences informed his sharp political critique and literary style. Engaging and thought-provoking, it has deepened my appreciation for Orwell, and I am eager to explore his life and works further.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Shelden is the author of 'Orwell: The Authorized Biography', and there are few people better placed to talk about the genesis of Orwell's masterpiece, '1984'. Articulate and insightful, even those who already know a thing or two about Orwell can learn something from this analysis.

[J.D. Kessey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably not going to use this. It's a good introduction to Orwell but I don't think I'll use it as a source.

[Dany Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know much about Orwell, so this was a good introduction to his life and his inspirations for what would be his most successful novels.