Two of the greatest and most influential works of the twentieth century, together in one edition: 1984, with an introduction by Charlotte Wood, and Animal Farm, with an introduction by Don Watson.

George Orwell’s novels about the dangers of tyranny, the corruption of the state and the enslavement of the individual are essential reading. In an era of doublespeak, they remain chillingly prophetic.

George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair (1903–1950), was a teacher, novelist and journalist. He also served his country including in the Home Guard during the Second World War. He later became the literary editor of the Tribune and wrote for the Observer and Manchester Evening News. The author of nine books, Orwell is best known for the allegorical Animal Farm (1945) and dystopian satire 1984 (1949). They have gone on the become two of the most influential books of the twentieth century.

‘There are no replacements for George Orwell, just as there are no replacements for a Bernard Shaw or a Mark Twain…he pricked, provoked and badgered lazy minds, delighted those who enjoyed watching an original intelligence at work.’ Time