George Orwell: The Road to 1984

by Peter Lewis

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

122 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is still an excellent biographical introduction to George Orwell even though it was published in 1981, some time before his extensive archive was readily available. The photographs are well-chosen and many of them are relatively rare. The late Peter Lewis, former literary editor at The Daily Mail, is particularly good at seeing Orwell clearly and explaining his judgements. Succinct, penetrating and readable. Highly recommended.

[Lawrence English · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book. In particular, the twelfth chapter discusses the long-term impact of machines on the strengths and morals of humans who use them. That a book from 1937 has such compelling arguments that can apply directly to, for example, artificial intelligence, is simply stunning.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an interesting person. The last pages were quite enlightning about 1984. The part about the Animal Farm expresses a lot also.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An older, but nice short biography of one of my favorite authors. He was a bit unusual and detached in personality, but his sympathies and efforts were with the people.