Read more
George Orwell's first novel,
Burmese Days, examines the corrupted truth of British-occupied Myanmar from the perspective of an Indian Imperial Police Officer serving during the last days of the Empire.
Influenced by the author's time spent serving in the Indian Imperial Police force between 1922 and 1927, this first novel by George Orwell illustrates the dark truths of the British Raj. This biting social commentary is set at a time when Myanmar (then known as Burma) was governed from Delhi, and explores the corruption and bigotry experienced first-hand by Orwell. Now in a new edition featuring the introductory essay 'Why I Write', this novel was first published in 1934 and remains a fiercely influential work of political writing.
About the author
George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair in 1903, was a British author and journalist known for his sharp social criticism and advocacy for democratic socialism. Raised in India and England, Orwell's early experiences shaped his disdain for imperialism, which he later explored in his work Burmese Days. His time fighting in the Spanish Civil War solidified his opposition to totalitarian regimes, influencing much of his later writing.Orwell gained widespread recognition for his two most famous works, Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). Both novels critique authoritarianism, with Animal Farm serving as a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution, while Nineteen Eighty-Four explores a dystopian future ruled by oppressive surveillance and thought control. These works helped cement Orwell's legacy as a master of political satire and dystopian fiction.Throughout his career, Orwell's essays, critiques, and novels reflected his commitment to uncovering the social injustices of his time. His writing, characterized by clarity and intellectual rigor, remains influential, especially in discussions on the nature of power, freedom, and truth. Orwell passed away in 1950, but his works continue to shape political discourse and literary thought around the world.
