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George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons cover art

George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons

Written by: Michael Shelden, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Michael Shelden
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Publisher's Summary

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, LLC

What listeners say about George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons

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Superbe!

Incredibly interesting and insightful dive into the life of one of the 20th century’s greatest authors. I gleaned much background knowledge that has given me a better understanding of his works. My only wish is that I had listened to this lecture beforehand. Who knows; I might just have to read them again!

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Absolutely awesome!

Very insightful. The narration was awesome. Story flowed very well.

Worth a listen to anyone who has read 1984 and would like to know some more of the backstory.

I har a wonderful time listening.

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Great series of lectures on George Orwell

I haven’t read a lot of George Orwell, so I thought these lectures would be a good introduction to the author. What an interesting life… and now I am ready to read all his works. I think having the historical context will enrich my reading.

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Worthwhile!

This series of 24 lectures by Professor Michael Shelden could easily be a reference for what any “Great Course” should be. The knowledgeable lecturer has superbly organized his material and presents it clearly and unpretentiously, without ever going off on tangents. It turns out that he has personally done extensive research, interviewing multiple persons who knew George Orwell and digging up various archived documents, including the latter’s medical file.

Professor Shelden is never critical of Orwell. Still, frequently changing jobs and locale, the famous writer comes out as eccentric, unpredictable and even unstable. This is well illustrated by the fact that, a widower, he literally gets married on his deathbed, too weak to even stand up.

The lectures are essentially biographical but, crucially, do include sufficient discussion of Orwell’s works to induce listeners to discover them or reread them.

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