George Orwell: A Sage for All Seasons

By: Michael Shelden, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Michael Shelden

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.

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Superb presentation

I don’t know if I’ve had any teaching company that contained so much first hand-research information. I suppose scientific research is a very personal research but this is a biographical treatment. The presentationspresentations are lively, and I have a feeling that much had to be cut from the final presentation to be able to be delivered in a timely manner

Expert biographer

He was investigated Orwell’s life for a while and lectures very well on it. Orwell’s life has many lessons, and the speaker details them well.

Marvelous

I am a great courses addict and have loved nearly every one that I have finished. This is one of the very best I have heard. The professor is knowledgeable, passionate, articulate, and has amazing insights.

Excellent Presentation

I truly enjoyed every lecture in this this well-organized series. George Orwell’s story, life and the times were captivating.

Richard Blair is still alive in 2022.

He is the adopted son of Eric Arthur Blair. He was only 5 when Eric died. He was 39 when 1984 hit the theatres. Same age as Winston Smith.