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A vivid portrait of the man behind the writings

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgements Introduction 1. The Misfit and the Pure Hell of St Cyprian’s 2. Eton 3. Burma 4. Slumming it 5. Was Orwell an Antisemite? 6. Hopeless 7. Books, Marriage, and the Journey North 8. Spain and Serious Politics 9. Between Wars 10. War 11. Explosive Journalism 12. Changes 13. Animal Farm 14. Jura 15. Nineteen Eighty-Four Epilogue Bibliography Index

About the Author

Richard Bradford is Research Professor in English at Ulster University and Visiting Professor at the University of Avignon. He has published over twenty-five acclaimed books, including a biography of Philip Larkin, which was an Independent Book of the Year, the authorised biography of Alan Sillitoe, a life of Kingsley Amis and a biography of Kingsley’s son, Martin. According to The Sunday Times his life of Hemingway is a ‘bombshell biography.’ He has written for the Spectator and The Sunday Times and has been interviewed on his work for various BBC Radio Arts Programmes, as well as appearing on the Channel 4 Series ‘Writers in their Own Words’. His The Importance of Elsewhere, on Larkin the photographer, inspired a BBC TV programme.

Reviews

Fascinating book.
*The Times*

A brilliant biography of Orwell, reminding us that his work is as relevant as ever.
*Irish Independent*

Excellent. *****
*The Telegraph*

Bradford gives a compelling analysis … pleasing idiosyncrasy, odd surprises and well-landed punches.
*The Oldie*

This authoritative and informative study is a fascinating examination of his life and ideas
*Choice Magazine*