Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

In this compilation of essays, written in the clear-eyed, uncompromising language for which he is famous, Orwell discusses with vigor such diverse subjects as his boyhood schooling, the Spanish Civil War, Henry Miller, British imperialism, and the profession of writing. (316 pages)

Once you read any of these essays, you will go on to read more.

I hope members will find this is so. They are informative and interesting.

I intend to read this one this month or next and have already found it on Hoopla. I have to read my few other library books first, though, including Maus.

Orwell writes on a wide variety of topics.

I think he could have written well on any topic. He was blessed, or cursed, with an analytic mind.

I have to say 1984 wasn’t my favorite book so I was relieved to find the Collection of Essays was thoroughly enjoyable. I’m so glad I gave him another try.

This is still on the list through February!

Don’t worry, Lesle! I also am planning to read this one in February. January just didn’t work out for it.

I would like to read some of them myself.

I started reading this and could not get into it. Maybe I’ll try it again one day, but I gave myself permission to quit. I’ve only read one actual Orwell novel so far, 1984, and I liked it but didn’t love it. Maybe he’s just not for me.

Picked this up when I was in the U.S. for the holidays but this year has started out slow for me in getting any reading done so just started on this.

I find it interesting to read about his schooldays. Especially his description of how low the standards were despite being an expensive school. Hmmm, why is that?
Even though I don't have the experience of boarding school, I could empathize with him through his writing.

Rosemarie wrote: "Once you read any of these essays, you will go on to read more."


I'm enjoying it so far.

Re: Even though I don't have the experience of boarding school, I could empathize with him through his writing ....

I could not finish that essay, it was too horrible. I was fortunate to avoid the boarding schools, but I have read fiction, eg Dickens, and fact about them. They are strongly rooted in UK, and are still popular. Fortunately government controls have eradicated most of the worst abuses.

Bernard I was reading some about him the other day, he seemed highly intelligent.

I like these too!
Orwell provides six rules for writers:

1.Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
2.Never use a long word where a short one will do.
3.If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
4.Never use the passive where you can use the active.
5.Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
6.Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous

Yes, he was intelligent and analytical, and could organise his ideas coherently. One of the great essayists.