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George Orwell's celebrated novella, Animal Farm, is a biting, allegorical, political satire on totalitarianism in general and Stalinism in particular. One of the most famous works in modern English literature, it is a telling comment on Soviet Russia under Stalin's brutal dictatorship based on a cult of personality which was enforced through a reign of terror. The book tells a seemingly simple story of farm animals who rebel against their master in the hope of stopping their exploitation at the hand of humans and creating a society where animals would be equal, free and happy. Ultimately, however, the rebellion is betrayed and the farm ends up in a state as bad as it was before. The novel thus demonstrates how easily good intentions can be subverted into tyranny.Orwell has himself said that it was the first book in which he had tried, with full consciousness of what he was doing, 'to fuse political purpose and artistic purpose into one whole.' The book was first published in England in 1945, and has since then remained a favourite with readers all over the world, and has consistently been included in all prestigious bestseller lists for the past many years.
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.
