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Exploring life during wartime Britain, George Orwell expresses the socio-political views that permeate his novels in this influential essay, but without the allegory that pervades his later work.
First published in 1941, this longform essay puts forth Orwell's thoughts on how to defeat Nazi Germany, suggesting a socialist revolution for Britain. Many of his ideas draw their inspiration from his personal experiences living on the streets of both Paris and London, as well as his familiarity with life in the industrial north. 'The Lion and the Unicorn' takes its name from the heraldic attendants on the United Kingdom's coat of arms.
About the author
Eric Arthur Blair (1903-1950) was an English novelist, essay writer, critic and journalist born in Bengal, British India. Better known by his pen name, George Orwell, the writer's most famous works include the novels Animal Farm, 1945, and Nineteen Eighty-Four, 1949. His work boldly expresses his opposition to totalitarianism, and he is well-known for weaving social and political commentary into his texts. His influence is still widely seen today, for example, the adjective 'Orwellian' is commonly used to describe an authoritarian idea or social practise.
