Richard H. Rovere introduces this generous collection of Orwellania -- sections and chapters from his books and pieces from his newspaper writings, from his Burmese world to that of World War II, and after. The coverage includes literary criticism, per se and with a political angle; school memories; notes on the Vicar of Bray; a defense of P.G. Wodehouse; an analysis of Gandhi, freedom of the press, the Englishman's England, and James Burnham. Longer inclusions come from Down and Out in Paris and London, Keep the Aspidistra Flying, Homage to Catalonia Burmese Days, A Clergyman's Daughter, The Road to Wigan Pier, and Nineteen Eighty Four. The astringency and precision here offer worthwhile stimulation for his American audience for much in this book has never appeared in this country and followers of his publications here will be rewarded by this chance to follow the variety of material that made up his life, his thinking and his writing.
