'The feeling that the very concept of objective truth is fading out
of the world ... this prospect frightens me much more than bombs'
On the 70th anniversary of George Orwell's death, a new collection
of his brilliant essays written during the Second World War Fascism
and Democracy collects five brilliant examples of Orwell's writing
during the darkest days of World War Two. Grappling with the
principles of democracy and the potential of reform, the meaning of
literature and free speech in times of violence, and the
sustainability of objective truth, Orwell offers a compelling
portrayal of a nation where norms and ideals can no longer be taken
for granted. Like the best of Orwell's writing, these essays also
serve as timeless reminders of the fragility of freedom.
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My review
Fri, 15 May 2020 | Review
by: Phillip T.
ORWELL’S CONTINUING DURABILITY:
A CURIOUSLY APPROPRIATE SHORT TEXT ON THE DANGER OF FASCISM FOR 2020s
An appreciation by Elizabeth Taylor of Richmond Green Chambers and Phillip Taylor MBE, Head of Chambers, Reviews Editor, “The Barrister”, and Mediator
This short book entitled “Fascism and Democracy” will be best remembered for a stirring quote from its author, George Orwell (1903 – 1950)- also known as Eric Arthur Blair -, who writes that “the feeling that the very concept of objective truth is fading out of the world ... this prospect frightens me much more than bombs”.
On the 70th anniversary of George Orwell's death, a new collection of his brilliant essays written during the Second World War are now available as Orwell remains an important and durable observer of politics today even though he sadly left us many years ago. His literary work might well characterised by its lucid prose, its biting social criticism, opposition to totalitarianism, and for Orwell as a man of being an outspoken supporter of democratic socialism.
This small pamphlet from Penguin entitled “Fascism and Democracy” brings together five brilliant examples of Orwell's writing during the darkest days of World War Two (1939-1945) and arrives as we remember VE Day, 75 years on.
As the publishers accurately observe, Orwell grappled “with the principles of democracy and the potential of reform, the meaning of literature and free speech in times of violence, and the sustainability of objective truth”. Nothing much seems to have changed in the intervening years since these words were written and remains relevant to the 2020s.
Probably what will not be a surprise to current political observers today is that Orwell paints a compelling portrayal of a nation “where norms and ideals can no longer be taken for granted”. And, as with the best of Orwell's writing, these essays also serve as timeless reminders of the fragility of freedom and should be read by as wide an audience as possible with the resurgence of right-wing politics and politicians in western Europe.
“Does nothing change, you may well ask?” Apparently not based on what is emerging in Europe which is why the publication of “Fascism and Democracy” is so relevant for us today. Thank you, George, for your continuing durability in the twenty-first century.
The publication date of this paperback third edition is cited as at 21st January 2020.
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