George Orwell: Into the Twenty-First Century

The year 2003 was the 100th anniversary of the birth of George Orwell, one of the most influential authors of the twentieth century. Orwell's books are assigned today in over 60,000 classrooms annually. In this book, essays by prominent writers and scholars explain why his impact continues in a world much changed from his own. The essays explore new aspects of Orwell's life and work and his continuing relevance for the interpretation of modern social, political, and cultural affairs. Thematic topics include: the use and abuse of 1984; ideas, ideologues, and intellectuals; biography and autobiography; literary and stylistic analyses; and the reception of Orwell's work abroad. The volume is an ideal secondary source for those who continue to be influenced by Orwell's insights and for teachers of Orwell's work.

Cushman (Wellesley College), author Rodden and contributors make a point for Orwell's longevity into the 21st century in these 21 essays. They note that Orwell addresses sexual persecution, totalitarianism and alienation, tropes that certainly continue. They describe how 1984 has been given an Orwellian treatment by friend and foe alike; how Orwell's views on religion, patriotism, politics and pacifism related to his role as a public intellectual; how subjective reactions to Orwell have informed intellectual and political lives; and how Orwell's travel writing influenced perceptions of places and people long after he shuffled on. Essays include their own references, but the volume does not contain an index. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

John Rodden, is the author of George Orwell: The Politics of Literary Reputation, Scenes from an Afterlife: The Legacy of George Orwell, and co-editor, with Thomas Cushman, of George Orwell: Into the Twenty-First Century.

Thomas Cushman, Wellesley College, is the editor of The Journal of Human Rights and was the principal organizer of the George Orwell Centenary Conference at Wellesley College.