Orwell and Empire

George Orwell's writing about the East was influenced by his experience of colonial life, and the book explores how his views on class, race, gender, and authority were shaped by his experience in the East and the Anglo-Indian attitudes he had inherited. Orwell's socialism and hatred of authoritarianism grew out of his anti-imperialism, but he struggled to come to terms with his own history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

George Orwell, born in India, embarked on a remarkable journey that included serving in the Imperial Police in Burma as a young man. His literary exploration of the East and its presence in his writing is the subject of Orwell and Empire, a comprehensive study that delves into the intricate relationship between Orwell's cultural identity and his experiences of colonial life. This insightful work argues that empire played a central role in shaping Orwell's artistic vision, a fact that has often been overlooked.

Orwell and Empire encompasses all of Orwell's writings, both fictional and non-fictional, with a particular focus on works that were directly influenced by his time in Burma, including the renowned narratives "A Hanging" and "Shooting an Elephant" as well as his debut novel, Burmese Days. It then delves into the overarching theme of empire throughout Orwell's oeuvre, spanning from his early works to Nineteen Eighty-Four and beyond. The book charts the evolution of Orwell's views on class, race, gender, and authority, which were profoundly shaped by his experiences in the East and the Anglo-Indian attitudes he inherited.

Orwell's socialist beliefs and his vehement opposition to authoritarianism emerged as a natural extension of his anti-imperialism, as evident in his seminal work, The Road to Wigan Pier. However, this transformation was not a straightforward or painless process. Orwell recognized the deep cultural roots that bound him to the class into which he was born, and he grappled with this reality throughout his entire career. His work was a continuous and creative dialogue with himself and his Anglo-Indian heritage, seeking to reconcile the conflicting aspects of his identity.

In a way that anticipates current debates about the imperial legacy, Orwell's struggle to come to terms with his own history is a testament to his intellectual depth and his commitment to social justice. Orwell and Empire offers a fresh perspective on the life and work of one of the twentieth century's most influential writers, shedding light on the complex interplay between culture, history, and artistic expression. By exploring the East and its influence on Orwell's writing, this book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of his legacy and the enduring impact of imperialism on the world.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 224 x 311 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192864093