The Essays

In general, Penguin editions are of excellent quality. However, this particular edition has rather small font and the paper is quite thin. Yet, I gave it five stars because it is a rather thorough anthology of George Orwells essays, including all the most famous ones such as 'Shooting an Elephant' and 'Such Such Were The Joys'. I rarely write book reviews anymore because I find it a waste of my time since the other reviews I read make no sense, so I wonder what is the point of writing anything if people are so illiterate. One reviewer wrote that he/she had not tackled the BIG books by George Orwell. He/she was referring to 'Animal Farm' which I read in sixth grade and it is a unique political allegory about totalitarianism. It is one of his most famous works. A reviewer wrote the the short essays would be easier. I began to wonder if this person ever finished kindergarten. George Orwell was a superlative writer, novelist, essayist and journalist. He had an extraordinary interesting life and his writing skills are highly sophisticated. Many times he went undercover to investigate topics such as the horrific mining industry's exploitation of workers and the poverty they endured in his powerful expose book, 'A Road to Wigan Pier.' Similarly, he went undercover in his book, 'Down and Out in Paris and London' to describe what is was like living on the streets in both cities and trying to find work. It is a intense, compelling piece of writing. I would hardly call his longer essays 'rambling'. George Orwell wrote in a very succinct, incisive way with a powerful control and usage of the English language. I purchased this anthology because I have reread Orwells works many times over and wanted another copy to replace my much well worn one of his essays. It is nice that it is lightweight, since I bought it to bring along on a trip. My other books are so heavy, that I am considering revising what I an going to take. This book is definitely going right into my travel bag. It is footnoted as well, which is especially important when reading works in period history. I would highly recommend this particular edition of Orwells essays to anyone who can actually read and has at least some level of basic education.

This collection of essays is a rare treat from one of the best essayists of modern times.

Phatpocket Bücher never faail to deliver.

Orwell writes with his usual clarity of mind and observations. The essays are no-nonsense, often political/class/society observations. Nice way to get a peep into the mind of a major thinker of the times

The complete essays by George Orwell come with a thick and very well- printed volume, and at a very convenient price. To read the sober Orwellian prose is a joy to the eye.