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tombennett72's review against another edition
5.0
As a modern reader, I find it amazing that this was written nearly 80 years ago.
It's very easy to recognise the Britain that Orwell writes about: whilst Britain has lost the respect for privacy that Orwell celebrates here (thanks to Murdoch and Rothermere, many British people seem to have become gouls who delight in the detail of others' lives) there is so very much that describes the UK of today.
Fascinating. Read it.
It's very easy to recognise the Britain that Orwell writes about: whilst Britain has lost the respect for privacy that Orwell celebrates here (thanks to Murdoch and Rothermere, many British people seem to have become gouls who delight in the detail of others' lives) there is so very much that describes the UK of today.
Fascinating. Read it.
mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition
5.0
Having vaguely heard this quoted over the years, today I picked this up in pamphlet form in the Penguin Great Ideas series and read it in one gulp. And it's amazing how prescient, accurate and relevant it still is, despite its provenance in 1941.
kingarooski's review against another edition
5.0
There is much in this short essay which is quotable and fascinating. George Orwell's view of England and the English seems strangely prescient, as much of what he writes about is still applicable today. Especially this:
The immediately striking thing about all these (news)papers is their generally negative, querulous attitude, their complete lack at all times of any constructive suggestion. There is little in them except the irresponsible carping of people who have never been and never expect to be in a position of power.
There are something which Orwell did not forsee (rise of the European idea) and somethings which he got wrong (some people still care about Eton vs Harrow), but Orwell's understanding of his country and its people is spot on.
The immediately striking thing about all these (news)papers is their generally negative, querulous attitude, their complete lack at all times of any constructive suggestion. There is little in them except the irresponsible carping of people who have never been and never expect to be in a position of power.
There are something which Orwell did not forsee (rise of the European idea) and somethings which he got wrong (some people still care about Eton vs Harrow), but Orwell's understanding of his country and its people is spot on.
mrwcc's review
5.0
I've read this collection in other places and at different times but this particular edition is lovely to hold (Everyman's ed) and is of very good quality.
Running with quality the clarity of prose is excellent as tends to be the case with Orwell so you won't be disappointed.
In the age of Blair, Borris, Trump, and Bush etc. this brings some sanity into your daily reading.
Running with quality the clarity of prose is excellent as tends to be the case with Orwell so you won't be disappointed.
In the age of Blair, Borris, Trump, and Bush etc. this brings some sanity into your daily reading.
seanto's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0