George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons
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George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons
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Narrated by:
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Michael Shelden
About this listen
George Orwell was more than just a writer. He was a political and social sage who valued, above all else, individual freedom. His works aren’t just entertainment - they’re cautionary tales and red flags of warning. And if we ever hope to understand threats to freedom and how to stop them, we must learn from them.
In these 24 lectures, learn how the man born as Eric Blair forged himself into a writer of international importance and renown. Mixing historical inquiry, literary analysis, and cultural biography, Professor Shelden gets at the truth of British life in the opening decades of the 20th century. These lectures cover the creation, reception, and implication of Orwell’s major works, from Burmese Days and Homage to Catalonia to Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Embark on a chronological journey through Orwell’s life and times, from his youth in Edwardian England to his formative experiences at boarding school (captured in the brilliant essay, “Such, Such Were the Joys”) to his being shot through the neck by a sniper while serving as a freedom fighter against the forces of General Franco. Along the way, examine the experiences - and the people - Orwell drew upon when forging himself into a writer and a citizen of the world.
Here, in one comprehensive package, is a compendium of all Orwell’s many personas: the writer brave enough to speak truth to power, the soldier willing to sacrifice his life for others, the citizen willing to expose the injustices, and the sage for freedom-loving civilizations everywhere.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 The Great Courses (P)2020 The Teaching Company, LLCListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- old pesky
- 04-04-20
Timeless
A terrific journey through the life of perhaps the most important author of the twentieth century. Another hit for The Great Courses.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Jason
- 06-10-20
Compelled to leave a review!
This lecture is masterfully crafted. Not knowing much about George Orwell this Great Courses lecture has given me so much insight and understanding into the life of Orwell. I’ve subsequently read animal farm and have started the road to Wigan pier. Both of which I would not of been able to appreciate half as much. This is the perfect gate way into Orwellian literature, I’m my opinion to understand George Orwell you first must know Eric Arthur Blair.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Cristina
- 28-09-20
More than what I expected
There's heart and passion in this set of lectures. Professor Shelden is deep, competent and clear throughout the course.
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- Bo
- 24-05-20
excellent
loved it, truly informative, excellent presentation. I think I will listen to it all again soon. informative and moving
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5 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 13-09-21
brilliant
this was an inspiration. George Orwell was the most inspirational man. thank you 😊
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- Agnes
- 09-05-22
Absolutely brilliant
I was already a George Orwell fan but now I’m seeing his work in a whole new light. A brilliant lecture series, easy to follow, and full of interesting insights.
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- martlayton
- 14-11-20
Informative and engaging.
The lecturer’s knowledge and enthusiasm for his subject shone through each talk. Essential listening for anyone who wishes to explore Orwell the man, the writer, and his world.
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- Derk
- 04-02-23
A lovely overview
Orwell - we need you more than ever! And this puts a face to the man whose books we all (think we) know. His remarkable (tragically short) life sheds so much light on the literature and essays he produced. Listen to this then go back to the books with fresh enlightenment…
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- Anonymous User
- 26-12-23
Eye opening
The many life changing experiences that Eric had in his short life. His unchanged beliefs in a need for a socially just world despite his literary success
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- Amanda Ashton
- 17-09-20
Well worth the time
This course was both interesting and well told. I doubted whether or not Orwell would justify twenty four episodes. He did. And his story makes for very good listening. Michael Shelden has spoken to a lot of people who knew Orwell, and he has uncovered some new and important information.
He eloquently makes the case for Orwell’s importance and relevance for a modern listener.
However. Michael Shelden is not an impartial observer of Orwell’s life; he is an advocate for his subject. It seemed to me that on every occasion and in very event he took Orwell’s part. There is little doubt that, in Michael Shelden’s view Orwell was good, honest and upstanding. All the time, in every event?
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2 people found this helpful