George Orwell 
Animal Farm 

In George Orwell’s seminal work, Animal Farm, the reader is transported to a farm where the animals rebel against their human owner, only to create their own flawed society based on the principles of equality and freedom. Written in a satirical and allegorical style, Orwell uses the animals to represent various figures and factions in the Russian Revolution of 1917. The simplicity of the language in the book belies the complex political commentary and critique of totalitarianism that Orwell conveys, making it a timeless classic in literature. Animal Farm is a cautionary tale about the corrupting nature of power, the dangers of ignorance, and the need for vigilance in the face of oppression. George Orwell, a democratic socialist and critic of authoritarianism, drew upon his own experiences and observations of political movements to create this thought-provoking and impactful novel. Animal Farm is a must-read for those interested in political allegory, social commentary, and the study of power dynamics in society.

About the author

George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair (1903 – 1950), was an English novelist, essayist, journalist, and critic whose work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism, and outspoken support of democratic socialism. Orwell’s work has had a profound influence on modern thought and political practices. His most famous novels, ‘Animal Farm’ (1945) and ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ (1949), serve as biting satires of totalitarian regimes, and in the case of ‘Animal Farm’, an allegory about the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the rise of Stalinism. His literary style is characterized by clarity, brevity, and vivid imagery, with a focus on telling truths about political structures and societal issues. Orwell’s writing legacy extends beyond these iconic novels, including notable essays like ‘Shooting an Elephant’ and ‘Politics and the English Language, ‘ as well as works of non-fiction like his account of the Spanish Civil War, ‘Homage to Catalonia.’ Serving as a witness to the significant events of the first half of the 20th century, Orwell’s acute insight continues to fuel discussions on censorship, freedom of speech, and the mechanisms of power.