1984 & Animal Farm

George Orwell's

1984

and

Animal Farm

are two of the most influential novels of the 20th century: works of biting political satire, echoing the tumultuous years after World War II. In

Animal Farm

[1945], Orwell examines the mechanisms of Stalinism through an allegory of animals revolting against their human owner, and taking control of their farm.

1984

[1949] extends the view into the future: The country of Oceania has implemented a society of control, hostile to freedom and humanity at all levels, especially in and as language. Constant surveillance prevails - 'Big Brother Is Watching You' - and any deviation is ruthlessly punished.

Few works of literature have had an impact equalling

1984

. Orwell's uncanny ability to predict societal trends makes it - along with

Animal Farm

- as relevant today as when it was first published.

GEORGE ORWELL was born in India in 1903, and died in London in 1950. As a journalist, critic, and author, he was a keen observer of his time and its political conditions and consequences.