À travers l'histoire de la descente aux enfers de Gordon Comstock puis de sa rédemption, ce roman de l'auteur de 1984 est à la fois la satire du monde où l'argent a remplacé le divin et celle de la révolte individualiste et négative. Armé d'un humour corrosif, Orwell dénonce et ridiculise le conformisme de l'English Way of Life tel que le conçoit pour son salut un personnage qu'il traite pourtant avec tendresse. Car il s'agit pour l'auteur de sauver l'aspidistra, fleur symbole de l'Angleterre, c'est-à-dire la convivialité et l'humble désir de vivre. L'humanisme sans concession d'Orwell atteint ici le lecteur au plus profond de sa conscience.

Et vive l'aspidistra !

Orwell in spain

Intimidated by her father, the rector of Knype Hill, Dorothy performs her submissive roles of dutiful daughter and bullied housekeeper. Her thoughts are taken up with the costumes she is making for the church school play, by the hopelessness of preaching to the poor and by debts she cannot pay in 1930s Depression England. Suddenly her routine shatters and Dorothy finds herself down and out in London. She is wearing silk stockings, has money in her pocket and cannot remember her name. Orwell leads us through a landscape of unemployment, poverty and hunger, where Dorothy's faith is challenged by a social reality that changes her life.

Une Fille de Pasteur

"1984" by George Orwell is a dystopian masterpiece that paints a chilling vision of a totalitarian future. Set in a world where Big Brother watches your every move, the novel follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party who begins to question the oppressive regime. Orwell's portrayal of a surveillance state, thought control, and the erasure of truth is eerily relevant in today's digital age. The novel introduces the concept of "Newspeak, " a language designed to eliminate independent thought. As Winston rebels against the system, he embarks on a dangerous journey for truth and freedom. The story is a harrowing exploration of the consequences of mass surveillance and authoritarianism."1984" is not just a work of fiction; it's a warning about the dangers of sacrificing individual liberties for the illusion of security. It's a thought-provoking, unsettling, and thought-provoking read that remains profoundly relevant in our modern world. ABOUT THE AUTHORGeorge Orwell, the pen name of Eric Arthur Blair, was a renowned English writer and essayist. Born on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, India, he is best known for his literary contributions that challenged totalitarianism and explored the consequences of oppressive government systems. Orwell's early life included experiences as an imperial police officer in Burma, which profoundly influenced his views on British imperialism. His first notable work, "Down and Out in Paris and London", was published in 1933, recounting his experiences among the working class and homeless. However, it was Orwell's dystopian novels that catapulted him to literary fame. "Animal Farm, " published in 1945, is a satirical allegory that critiques the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. In 1949, he released his magnum opus, "Nineteen Eighty-Four, " which portrayed a nightmarish future under a totalitarian regime, coining terms like "Big Brother" and "thoughtcrime" that have become part of popular culture. Orwell's writing style is marked by its clarity and social commentary. He was a passionate advocate for truth and freedom of expression, which is evident in his essays like "Politics and the English Language."Sadly, Orwell's life was cut short by tuberculosis, and he passed away on January 21, 1950, at the age of 46. His works remain not only literary classics but also influential critiques of authoritarianism and the dangers of propaganda, ensuring his enduring legacy in the world of literature and political thought.

1984

Un peu d'air frais

Année 1984 en Océanie. 1984? C'est en tout cas ce qu'il semble à Winston, qui ne saurait toutefois en jurer. Le passé a été réinventé, et les événements les plus récents sont susceptibles d'être modifiés. Winston est lui-même chargé de récrire les archives qui contredisent le présent et les promesses de Big Brother. Grâce à une technologie de pointe, ce dernier sait tout, voit tout. Liberté est Servitude. Ignorance est Puissance. Telles sont les devises du régime. Pourtant Winston refuse de perdre espoir. Avec l'insoumise Julia, ils vont tenter d'intégrer la Fraternité, une organisation ayant pour but de renverser Big Brother. Mais celui-ci veille...

HarperCollins is proud to present its range of best-loved, essential classics.

 'When I was about sixteen I suddenly discovered the joy of mere words'

 Best known for his remarkable novels Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell's essay writings throughout the 1930s and 40s are just as compelling. From 'Why I Write' to 'Shooting an Elephant' and 'A Hanging', his observations offer contemporary readers a snapshot of Britain during some of its most turbulent decades.

 This collection, ranging from Orwell's experiences as a police officer in South-East Asia to opinion pieces on British political unrest and the horrors of war, is a selection of his most acclaimed essays, which continue to be revered today for their originality and insight.

Selected Essays

Winston Smith, obscur tâcheron au ministère de la Vérité, réécrit le passé et envoie dûment dans le vide-mémoire les documents devenus obsolètes. Le Parti a toujours raison et aucun fait ne doit le contredire. Mais peut-être Winston entre-t-il en résistance le jour où il commence un journal intime, loin des yeux et des oreilles de Big Brother ? Comment penser, aimer, savourer la beauté ou dire que deux et deux font quatre dans un Etat qui a pris le contrôle de la réalité tangible, de votre mémoire, de votre langue même ? Découvrez la meilleure dystopie du XXe siècle, dans une version collector illustrée.

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a captivating allegory that takes you on a thought-provoking journey. Set on a farm, the animals rebel against their human oppressors, establishing their own society. Initially, it's a utopian vision of equality and justice, but power and corruption soon creep in.

Orwell's storytelling brilliance shines as each animal represents a facet of society, and their revolution mirrors historical events. Witness the rise and fall of their animal-led government, the emergence of a ruthless elite, and the haunting parallels with the human world.

This novella is a warning against totalitarianism, propaganda, and the corrupting influence of power. Orwell's vivid prose and sharp social commentary make "Animal Farm" an essential read for those interested in politics and society. It's a timeless tale of how ideals can be twisted, leaving you pondering the nature of power and the fragility of freedom.

Et vive l'aspidistra !

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