Where to start reading George Orwell

It’s no exaggeration to say that George Orwell is one of the most influential writers the UK has ever produced. His novels, including Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm, continue to be relevant today, and his non-fiction writing on truth, politics and society remain as sharply observed as ever.

Born Eric Blair in 1903 in India, Orwell’s father served the British Empire. While Orwell’s first job was as a policeman in Burma, he is well-known for being anti-imperialist. By the time he dies in 1950, Orwell was a successful and respected novelist and journalist. If you don’t know where to start with his books, our handy reading guide will help.