This is the never-before-told story of George Orwell's first wife, Eileen, a woman who shaped, supported, and even saved the life of one of the twentieth century's greatest writers.
In 1934, Eileen O'Shaughnessy's futuristic poem, 'End of the Century, 1984', was published. The next year, she would meet George Orwell, then known as Eric Blair, at a party. 'Now that is the kind of girl I would like to marry!' he remarked that night. Years later, Orwell would name his greatest work, Nineteen Eighty-Four, in homage to the memory of Eileen, the woman who shaped his life and his art in ways that have never been acknowledged by history, until now.
From the time they spent in a tiny village tending goats and chickens, through the Spanish Civil War, to the couple's narrow escape from the destruction of their London flat during a German bombing raid, and their adoption of a baby boy, Eileen is the first account of the Blairs' nine-year marriage. It is also a vivid picture of bohemianism, political engagement, and sexual freedom in the 1930s and '40s.
Through impressive depth of research, illustrated throughout with photos and images from the time, this captivating and inspiring biography offers a completely new perspective on Orwell himself, and most importantly tells the life story of an exceptional woman who has been unjustly overlooked.
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Eileen 9781800180260 Paperback
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Eileen - Sylvia Topp
As a keen Orwell reader for many years I was really pleased by this addition to the library of 'About Orwell' texts and it certainly is a fine addition. I am also well aware of the far greater fuss etc made of the 'Wifedom' book on the same subject. I was greatly impressed by t…
As a keen Orwell reader for many years I was really pleased by this addition to the library of 'About Orwell' texts and it certainly is a fine addition. I am also well aware of the far greater fuss etc made of the 'Wifedom' book on the same subject. I was greatly impressed by the great research needed for this and the organisation it required - bringing to life a largely ignored figure in Orwell's life. It pays tribute to both of them and a closer reading does bring out the none too saintly side of Orwell and his obsessions. Personally I rate this well above the 'Wifedom' text as it feels like a very fair reflection of both of them and is not a polemic. The research is meticulous and quite painstaking and so detailed it really shows a lively, highly intelligent and vital figure who was clearly an excellent foil for the dour side of Orwell. I t is a great shame that this excellent addition to works on the area has been massively overshadowed by the much hyped 'Wifedom' - which clearly owes a great amount to the detailed research by Sylvia Topp - very little of which is clearly acknowledged.
- Authors:
- Topp, Sylvia
- Year Published:
- 2021
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Format:
- Paperback
- ISBN:
- 9781800180260
- Number of Pages:
- 496
- Publication Date:
- 04/03/2021
- Publisher:
- Boundless Publishing Group Ltd
- Place of Publication:
- London
- Language:
- English
- SKU:
- 9781800180260